Nichelle Nichols - who played Uhura in the 1960s Star Trek series - was temporarily detained on Friday at Los Angeles International Airport as her travelling companion was arrested on a drug charge.

The 81-year-old actress was pictured in a wheelchair being interviewed by two police officers.

Nichols and her travelling companion were going through the American Airlines terminal when drugs were allegedly found in her companion's suitcase, according to an article on Friday by TMZ.

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Airport incident: Nichelle Nichols is shown on Friday talking to police officers at Los Angeles International Airport during an investigation in which her travelling companion was arrested on a drug charge

The man's suitcase fell to the ground and spilled 'a bag of meth and drug scales,' according to the report.

The companion's suitcase was said to be attached to Nichols' bags and bore her name on the tags.

The man who appeared to be in his 20s was arrested for investigation of drug possession and pictured with his hands handcuffed behind his back while being questioned by authorities.

Under arrest: A man travelling with Nichols was arrested for investigation of drug possession

Under arrest: A representative for Nichols said the man was her assistant

Nichols was apparently just as surprised by this discovery as the airport officials.

Once her innocence was established, Nichols was able to proceed with her scheduled flight solo.

A representative for the actress told TMZ the man was her assistant and that police only found an e-cigarette.

Nichols is most famous for playing Uhura in the '60s version of the popular sci-fi series.

She also reprised her role as the spaceship lieutenant in the Star Trek feature films in the 1980s.

'Mix-up': Nichelle, shown in July in Beverly Hills, California, was allowed to continue onto her flight

Famous role: Nichelle is best known for playing spaceship lieutenant Uhura in the original 1960s sci-fi television series Star Trek



