Radio One DJ Grooverider was arrested in Dubai after cannabis and hardcore porn DVDs were allegedly found in his record bag.
He was searched as he arrived at the Gulf state's international airport for a club gig.
The dance DJ - real name Raymond Bingham - was detained and is expected to appear in court this week.
The 40-year-old star, who appears to be smoking a marijuana joint on his MySpace profile, faces jail or deportation if he is found guilty.
A bbc spokesman said: "It's a legal matter so we cannot comment."
