Gore's Son Facing Drugs Charges

The good news for Al Gore was that when his son was stopped by the police yesterday morning he was driving an environmentally friendly car, a hybrid Toyota Prius. The bad news was that Al Gore Jr was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis and drugs for which he apparently had no prescription.

The 24-year-old was being held in jail in Santa Ana, California, on $20,000 (£9,900) bail.

Jim Amormino, a sheriff's department spokesman, said Mr Gore was stopped south of Los Angeles by an Orange County deputy for allegedly driving at 100mph. The policeman reportedly smelt cannabis and searched the car, finding about an ounce.

The police said Xanax, Valium, Vicodin and Adderall were also found. Mr Amormino said Mr Gore did not appear to have a prescription for the drugs.

He added that Mr Gore was being held in a cell with others. "There are no special privileges," Mr Amormino said.

A spokesman for Mr Gore Sr said the former vice-president turned environmental campaigner was traveling and could not immediately be reached for comment.

The arrest comes three days before Live Earth, concerts organized by an alliance headed by Mr Gore in eight cities round the world to highlight environmental concerns.

His son has been in trouble with the police before. He was arrested in 2003 for marijuana possession and in 2002 for suspected drink-driving.

Police said he had cooperated with the officers as soon he was stopped and quickly identified himself as the son of the former vice-president.