''When inspectors first examined the vehicle, they determined that Probert's immigration document had expired and observed empty beer and liquor containers,'' Hoglund said.

A search of the car turned up two tablets suspected to be amphetamines, so customs agents searched the occupants, Hoglund said. They said they found drug paraphernalia in Probert's pocket and cocaine in his underwear.

The Red Wings refused to comment on the arrest.

The National Hockey League said in a statement, ''It is the long-established policy of the N.H.L. that if one uses or is caught with illegal drugs, he will be suspended.''

The N.H.L. has suspended three players in the last decade under its drug policy: Don Murdoch of the Rangers in 1978-79; Rick Nattress of Montreal in 1983-84 and Borje Salming of Toronto in 1986-87.

The charge carries a maximum 20 years in prison and $1 million fine on conviction, assistant United States Attorney Lawrence Bunting said. A plea of not guilty was entered on Probert's behalf, said Probert's attorney, Harold Fried.