CNN reporter Richard Quest faces drug charge

Richard Quest, 46, a British citizen, was arrested around 3.40 am on a possession of a controlled substance count, a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug.

A CNN International news reporter was arrested in Central Park on Friday with a small amount of methamphetamine in his pocket, but avoided jail when he agreed to undergo drug counseling and therapy.

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Richard Quest, 46, a British citizen, was arrested around 3.40 am on a possession of a controlled substance count, a misdemeanor that usually refers to a personal use amount of a drug. He was also charged with loitering for being in the park after 1 am when it is officially closed.

Quest told police "I've got some meth in my pocket" when he was detained, according to the complaint filed in court. The complaint said he had a plastic sandwich bag containing methamphetamine in a jacket pocket.

Quest is known for reports on business travel. He hosts "CNN Business Traveler" and "Quest."

At his arraignment in Manhattan's Criminal Court, Judge Anthony Ferrara told Quest that if he attends the counseling and therapy designated by prosecutors for the next six months, his case will dismissed.

CNN had no immediate comment on Quest's arrest.