Police arrested Pete Doherty, best known as the ex-boyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss, on Monday in east London on suspicion of drug possession.
A police spokesman confirmed a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and was in custody at an east London police station. Because of police force rules, he could not name the suspect.
Earlier this month, a judge warned Doherty that he must prove his desire to quit drugs or face a jail sentence for other drug offenses.
The 28-year-old lead singer of Babyshambles has admitted possessing crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ketamine, as well as two driving offenses.
Doherty has been undergoing drug treatment under court order because of previous convictions.