EXCLUSIVE

All she needs is a good defense ...

Fiona Apple was arrested at a border stop in Texas yesterday ... after authorities claim they found hashish on the "Criminal" singer's tour bus ... TMZ has learned.

It all went down in Sierra Blanca, TX -- where stars like Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg and Armie Hammer have all been arrested for drugs in the past.

But apparently, Apple didn't learn from their mistakes ... and when her bus was stopped for inspection, cops turned up the hash -- a strong form of cannabis.

Cops say Apple was also in possession of a small amount of weed.

The 35-year-old singer was arrested for possession and is currently being held at Hudspeth County Jail.