Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg poses for the cameras at the NBA All Star party in Houston, Texas, in this February 18 file photo. - REUTERS

(Bangshowbiz.com)

Snoop Dogg handed himself into the police on Monday.

The rapper surrendered himself to authorities at the Orange County Jail yesterday morning after a warrant was issued for his arrest a week ago on charges of possessing a deadly weapon.

Snoop arrived in a dark purple Porsche Carrera accompanied by a driver and a bodyguard.

His attorney, Donald Etra, said: "He was handled extremely well by the Orange County Sheriff's Department."

His spokesperson, Meredith O'Sullivan, said: "Snoop was promptly released on bail and welcomes an expedited trial which will reveal that these charges are completely unwarranted."

High spirits

After being booked for the offence and posing for a mug shot Snoop, 35, reportedly left the jail in high spirits and cheerfully signed autographs for waiting fans.

Bail was set at US$150,000. If convicted the rapper could face three years in jail.

The hip-hop star was stopped at the John Wayne Airport, in Santa Ana, on September 27 after a 20-inch extendable baton was found in his laptop computer bag.

Snoop claimed he did not know it was illegal and was going to use it as a prop in his video. The baton was confiscated and the rapper was allowed on his flight to San Francisco.

But on October 26 Snoop was stopped by police for a traffic violation at the Bob Hope Airport, in Burbank, and an unlicensed gun and a quantity of marijuana were found during a search of his vehicle.

The rapper was charged with possession of a firearm and transportation of a controlled substance and released on US$35,000 bail. He is next due in court on December 4.