Chinese TV celebrity arrested in US for drug and weapon offenses

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A famous Chinese comedian and TV personality, Zhou Libo, was detained for alleged drug and pistol possession in New York this week, according to the US-based Chinese news website worldjournal.com.

Zhou was arrested at midnight local time on Wednesday, after he was stopped by the police in Lattingtown, Long Island, after they had received a complaint about the black Mercedes coupe, with Zhou and his friend Tang Shuang, kept weaving on the road, World Journal reported.

Zhou Libo (left) and Tang Shuang (right). /Photos provided by New York police to World Journal

After searching the vehicle, police also found that the two were carrying a Colt .380 Mustang pistol and two packages of crack cocaine, prompting immediately arrest.

The US authorities have charged the men with illegal possession of controlled substances and weapons. Zhou also faces a traffic offense for cellphone use while driving.

Zhou Libo performs at Carnegie Hall . /Xinhua Photo

Zhou, a Chinese stand-up comedian famous for his iconic "Shanghai Style Small Talk," made his debut performance at New York's prestigious century-old Carnegie Hall last July, which also made him the first ever Chinese comedian to perform in the eminent performance venue.

‍The Long Island arrest has also made him the first ever Chinese celebrity to be caught in the US on drug charges, although he is far from the first public figure to make headlines in China for substance abuse.

Kai Ko(left) and Jaycee Chan(right). /Xinhua Photo

In 2014, son of kung fu movie star Jackie Chan, Jaycee, and his fellow actor and friend, Kai Ko, were arrested in a high-profile celebrity drug bust. In recent years, China has turned up the heat in its drugs crackdown, which has led to the arrest of several celebrities.