Hendrix was detained upon arrival at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on May 3, 1969 after customs officers discovered a small amount of drugs in his luggage. He was arrested and charged with possession of illegal narcotics, but paid $10,000 bail to make it to his gig at Maple Leaf Gardens that night.
The trial followed in December of 1969 where Hendrix was acquitted as he testified he had no knowledge that the drugs were in his possession. Hendrix also stated he had “outgrown” his drug use, and commented to reporters following the not guilty verdict that, “Canada has given me the best Christmas present I ever had.”
The arrest card is filled out with Hendrix’s details, most notably including his signature and ten fingerprints, while the reverse of the card shows Hendrix’s occupation – “Musician” – and his home address.
For more information on the Hendrix auction, visit RR Auction.
