Rodney King arrested on drugs charge

Rodney King, whose videotaped beating by Los Angeles police led to a trial verdict that triggered the Los angeles riots of April 29, 1992, was arrested yesterday for allegedly being under the influence of Angel Dust - PCP.

King, now aged 36, was released after about eight hours in jail with instructions to appear in court later.

Police said King, awarded $US3.8 million ($8.74 million) in 1994 after charging that officers violated his civil rights, cooperated throughout.