Top 3 Keith Richards Drug Bust Stories

Keith Richards isn’t just known for his iconic guitar riffs and legendary songwriting with The Rolling Stones. His wild lifestyle has also cemented him as a central figure in rock and roll’s untamed history. From wild parties to brushes with the law, Richards has had his fair share of outrageous moments. Here are three unforgettable stories about his run-ins with the law—and how he managed to escape unscathed.

1. Is It the Police… or The Police?

When someone says, “The police are here,” most people assume it’s law enforcement—not a legendary rock band. Unfortunately for Richards, that misunderstanding led to a hilarious mix-up.

During one of The Rolling Stones’ gigs, their manager burst into the dressing room and shouted, “Keith! Ron! The Police are here!” Richards, thinking it was a raid, panicked and flushed all his contraband down the toilet. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Sting and Stewart Copeland, members of The Police band, not the authorities.

“There was a knock on our dressing-room door,” Richards recounted. “Our manager shouted, ‘The Police are here!’ Oh, man, we panicked, flushed everything down the john. Then the door opened, and it was Stewart Copeland and Sting.”

2. “The Stones Have Been Busted, But I Have Sprung Them”

In the late ’70s, Richards and his bandmates found themselves in a tight spot after being arrested in Boston just hours before a show. It seemed like the concert would be canceled—until an unlikely hero stepped in.

Mayor Kevin White intervened, pulling some strings to ensure the band’s release. His reason? The show had to go on. “The Stones have been busted, but I have sprung them,” he proudly announced, earning the admiration of fans everywhere.

3. A Polish Prince Takes the Fall

In 1973, Richards faced a police raid at his London home. Authorities discovered a staggering collection of illicit items, including heroin, syringes, and firearms. Jail time seemed inevitable.

But in a bizarre twist, Prince Jean Christien Stanislaus Klossowski—a Polish monarch who happened to be present—somehow took the blame for the entire stash. Whether it was luck, charm, or sheer audacity, Richards avoided serious consequences yet again.