Patriots running back Kevin Faulk has been charged with marijuana possession after he was found with four hand-rolled cigars filled with the illegal substance while attending a concert in his home state of Louisiana, Capt. John Babin of the Lafayette (La.) Metro Narcotics Task Force said today.

Faulk, who has played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots, was issued a citation after he was found with marijuana while attending a Lil' Wayne rap concert last Friday night at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

Faulk, 31, was not taken into custody, but as part of the citation agreed to appear in court to face the charge of simple possession of marijuana. No court date has been established yet.

Faulk is the second Patriots player to be cited for marijuana possession this off-season.

Two days after the Patriots' stunning 17-14 upset loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII, reserve defensive back and special teams contributor Willie Andrews was caught in Lowell with three bags of marijuana on Feb. 5. Andrews pled not guilty to charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and is due back in court on March 18 for a pre-trial conference.

According to Babin, Faulk was with friends and on his way to a suite at the Cajundome when he was searched in the administration office of the building by an in uniform, off-duty Lafayette Parish Sheriff's deputy who was providing security for the event.

"It wasn't a random search, everybody going into the building was searched that night," said Babin.

Babin said that Faulk was very cooperative.

A phone call to Faulk's representative, Raymond Brothers, has not been returned.

"We're aware of the report, but we don't have any additional comment at this time," Patriots spokesman Stacey James said.

The incident was first reported by KATC-TV in Louisiana.

Faulk was named a team captain for the first time in his career this season. The Patriots' all-time leader in receptions by a running back with 323, he is the team's top option out of the backfield in passing situations and third-down sets. He had 47 catches for 383 yards and a touchdown this season and added 62 rushes for 265 yards as the Patriots went 18-1, including the playoffs.

His lone touchdown reception came against the Indianapolis Colts and capped the Patriots memorable comeback from a 20-10 deficit to seize a 24-20 victory. Faulk squeezed into the end zone on a 13-yard catch-and-run with 3:15 remaining against the Colts.

Babin said that Faulk was not a specific target, but said that the narcotics task force does usually have a heavier presence at events at the Cajundome where they feel drugs may be present. They work those events undercover, although it was an in-uniform deputy who caught Faulk.

Marijuana was found on Lil' Wayne's tour bus in both New York, last July, and in Arizona earlier this year.

"It's a large venue in town where events are held throughout the year and based on the type of event and whether we would think there would be a narcotics presence we would work it undercover," said Babin. "Kevin just happened to have marijuana."

© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.