The dude smiling brightly in the above mugshot (yep… that’s a mugshot and not a yearbook picture!) is none other than singer/songwriter Bruno Mars, most notably known for his silky verse on B.o.B.’s “Nothing On You”.

Mars (born Peter Gene Hernandez), 23, was arrested in Las Vegas after police received a narcotics call from someone at the Hard Rock Hotel.  According to reports, a bathroom attendant approached a security officer at the facility to say that there was a man in a bathroom stall who might be using drugs, telling the guard that a male in the bathroom was “taking a really long time.”

It was soon revealed that the hitmaker was in possession of 2.6 grams of cocaine, discovered on his person after security guards confronted him.

Once law enforcement officers made their move, cops say they asked Bruno to “give over whatever narcotics he had.” According to the police report obtained by TMZ, Bruno then “pulled out a white powder substance, which was consistent with cocaine, from his left-front jeans pocket.”

Cops say Bruno “admitted he did a foolish thing and has never used drugs before.” <~ Yeah right.

Mars was released from custody at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning and has been ordered to return to court for his arraignment November 18.

At least he’s smiling. I swear he looks like he’s thinking “mama I made it” in that shot. SMH…

Related:

B.o.B. & Bruno Mars Perform “Nothing on You” LIVE on Ellen ~ VIDEO