Tuesday 27 May 2008

Winehouse arrested over drugs

LONDON (Reuters) - Amy Winehouse was arrested on suspicion of drug offences on Wednesday, police sources said.


The Grammy-winning soul singer, who was released with a caution for assault less than two weeks ago, was being held after she handed herself in at a London police station.


"At 1 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Wednesday, a 24-year-old woman attended a London police station by arrangement," police said in a statement. "She was arrested in connection with alleged possession of a controlled drug."


Police declined to give more details.


Winehouse was held overnight in a cell last month but was released without charge after admitting assault by slapping a man with her hand.


Winehouse, whose battle against drug addiction has often overshadowed her recording success, is said to be worth an estimated 10 million pounds ($20 million) in the latest Sunday Times Rich List.


Winehouse did not attend the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in February, but still managed five big wins, including record and song of the year for "Rehab" and best pop vocal album for her breakthrough release, "Back to Black".


(Reporting by Avril Ormsby; Editing by Giles Elgood)