No cameras allowed in rapper's trial

Cameras will not be allowed in the upcoming Yuma County Superior Court trial of rapper Lil' Wayne, a judge ruled Friday.

Ruling on media requests to have photographers in the courtroom, Superior Court Judge Mark Wayne Reeves concluded that media interest in the case is prompted not by the facts but by the celebrity status of Lil' Wayne, who faces drug and weapons charges.

The rap star's rights to a fair trial outweigh the media's desire to film or photograph trial proceedings, Reeves said. Reporters will be able to attend and report on the trial.

No trial date has been set for Lil' Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. His arrest at a Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 8 east of Yuma led to his being charged with one count each of possession of a narcotic drug for sale, possession of dangerous drugs, misconduct involving weapons and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The rapper was arrested Jan. 28, 2008, after a search of his tour bus by Drug Enforcement Administration agents reportedly yielded nearly 4 ounces of marijuana, just over an ounce of cocaine, 41 grams of Ecstasy and miscellaneous drug paraphernalia.

Officers also reported finding a .40-caliber pistol registered to Carter, who has a concealed weapons permit in Florida.