Popular Philippines actress in drug program
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Nora Aunor, one of the Philippines' most popular film and music stars, was accepted into the county's drug court program and may avoid time behind bars for a drug possession charge.
"Nora will be going through a program requiring much introspection and discipline," her lawyers from the firm Edelberg & amp; Espina wrote in a statement released Thursday.
"This is a challenging process for anyone and more particularly for Nora, who is far away from her country and her family, especially during this Christmas season."
Aunor, 53, was arrested March 30 at Los Angeles International Airport after security screeners allegedly found 8 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in her carryon bag.
Known as "The Superstar" to her fans, she has appeared in more than 170 films and recorded more than two dozen albums, including scores of hit singles. On-screen, she has starred with leading men of her time, including Joseph Estrada, who became the country's president.
Although she retains her Philippine citizenship, Aunor has spent much of her time in recent years at her home in Linda Vista, several miles north of San Diego.
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