CNN's Richard Quest arrested for drugs in New York

Richard Quest, anchor of CNN International, attends a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos January 24, 2007.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York judge ordered CNN reporter Richard Quest to undergo six months of counseling on Friday after Quest was arrested in Central Park for possession of a controlled substance, his lawyer said.

The British reporter is known for his boisterous and quirky style, especially on CNN International.

He was arrested at 3:40 a.m. on Friday in New York's Central Park for being in the park after a 1 a.m. curfew.

Police discovered a plastic bag containing what was believed to be methamphetamine in his pocket, police spokesman John Grimphel said.

Quest, 46, later appeared before State Court Judge Anthony Ferrara, who told him the case would be dismissed if he attends counseling, Quest's lawyer, Alan Abramson said.

"Mr. Quest did not realize that the park had a curfew and was returning to his hotel with friends. The matter is scheduled to be dismissed," Abramson said.

Quest is a well-known business news reporter on CNN International and hosts "CNN Business Traveler," as well as his own feature program, "Quest."

Reuters/Nielsen