Art Garfunkel

New York, Jan. 22 (Reuters): Singer Art Garfunkel got busted for marijuana possession by a New York state trooper who had no idea he was arresting half of the legendary ’60s duo Simon and Garfunkel, police said today.

The trooper arrested Garfunkel, 62, after stopping the driver of his limousine for speeding on Saturday in Hurley, New York, 145 km north of New York City, police said.

“The trooper noted a strong odour of marijuana emanating from the vehicle,” police said. “The trooper found a small amount of marijuana in Garfunkel’s jacket pocket.”

Adding insult to injury, police said the arresting officer did not recognise Garfunkel, known with Paul Simon for singing such rock classics as Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Sounds of Silence, Scarborough Fair, Mrs Robinson, Old Friends and The 59th Street Bridge Song.

Garfunkel, the lone passenger, is due to appear next Wednesday at the Town of Hurley Court charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. He faces a $100 fine. The driver got a ticket for driving 98 kph in a 72-kph zone.

A representative for Legacy Recording, Garfunkel’s New York-based record label, did not immediately return a phone call yesterday.

Simon and Garfunkel just completed a successful reunion tour in the US last autumn, their first in 20 years.