CSI's Dourdan faces drugs charges

Actor Gary Dourdan, who stars in US TV show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, has been charged with possession of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy.

The 41-year-old was arrested last week after police found him asleep in a car in Palm Springs, California and appeared disorientated when approached.

The star was jailed for around five hours before being released on bail of $5,000 (£2,500).

The star is due to appear in court to face the charges on 28 May.

At the time of his arrest, police said Mr Dourdan appeared "possibly under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs".

Sitcom fame

The car had been parked on the wrong side of the street with its inside light left on.

A subsequent search found cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and various prescription drugs, as well as items relating to drugs, a police statement said.

A Riverside County District Attorney's spokeswoman said that if convicted he was likely to face probation and be sent on a drugs rehabilitation programme.

Philadelphia-born Dourdan found fame on the TV sitcom A Different World, a spin-off from The Cosby Show.

He is best known for his role as forensics investigator Warrick Brown on the Las Vegas version of CSI, which has been the most-watched drama on US television for much of its time on air.

Dourdan is expected to leave show next month, at the end of its eighth series.