Former Chinese pop singer Xie Dong is seen in a September 9, 2007 photo. [File Photo: China News Service]

Former Chinese pop singer Xie Dong's drug-taking affair has turned a new page, as he was sent to compulsory drug treatment by the police on Thursday.

Xie Dong and his girlfriend will spend the next three months in the Rehab Center of the municipal Bureau of Public Security in the suburb of Beijing.

The pair was tested positive for methamphetamine, or commonly called "ice," in a regular drug test in February, Beijing Morning Post reports. Soon they were taken into custody by the local police.

This is the second time for the 45-year-old ex-star to fall into drug addiction. In May last year, he and his girlfriend were caught at home by the police while taking drugs.

Somewhat ironic is that Xie, active during the first rehab, was named an anti-drug volunteer in December by the Public Security Bureau and had participated in several anti-drug rallies.

He was deprived of the title after he was arrested again for drug offenses.

Xie Dong reached his career peak in the 1990s, symbolized by the popular song "The Smiling Face." Since then, however, he faded out of the spotlight.

(CRI March 14, 2008)