The Metropolitan Police Department arrested a 46-year-old police officer Tuesday for possession of about 0.065 gram of methamphetamine, a violation of the Stimulant Drugs Control Law.

Toshikazu Ota, a sergeant at the MPD's high-tech crime center, was arrested at 8:55 a.m., police said.

According to the police, a 34-year-old female beautician arrested in a separate drug-related case told investigators she used methamphetamines with Ota last December.

Police then stopped Ota on his way to work and found the drug concealed in a pen case in his bag.

The police said Ota, of Setagaya Ward, admitted using the drug more than 10 times since last summer.

Police searched several places, including desks at his home and office, and seized two hypodermic syringes. They said Ota told them he used the drug to forget his troubles, which stemmed from his job and family illnesses.

Ota also said he used about one gram of methamphetamine a few years ago when he took it from a police officer who found the drug while on duty.

Ota joined the MPD in 1974. He spent a total of 11 years investigating drug cases.

Shoichiro Ishikawa, a senior officer of the MPD's Personnel and Training Bureau, deplored Ota's arrest. "We will carry out a thorough investigation into the case and make an effort to prevent any recurrence," he said.