Stranger Things actor Charlie Heaton gives statement after being denied entry into US for cocaine possession

'I’m sorry to all the fans and my Stranger Things family for missing the premiere'

Actor Charlie Heaton attends the Entertainment Weekly Celebration of SAG Award Nominees (Getty)

Stranger Things actor Charlie Heaton has given a statement after being denied entry to the United States after traces of cocaine were found in his luggage.

The British actor — who plays Jonathan Byers on Stranger Things — was due to attend the Netflix show’s season two premiere in Los Angeles.

Heaton offered a statement to Deadline, reading: “My planned travel to the US last week was affected by an issue at US immigration, and I am working to rectify it as soon as possible.

“I do want to clarify that I was not arrested or charged with a crime, and cooperated fully with the US officials at LAX.

“I’m sorry to all the fans and my Stranger Things family for missing the premiere. We are all so proud of this season and I would never want this story to negatively impact the show.”

According to previous reports, sniffer dogs at LAX airport caught the 23-year-old with a “very small amount” of a white powder on his person.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) later confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the substance was cocaine and that the actor admit to consuming the drug.

"Foreign nationals may be inadmissible due to the commission of a crime involving drug possession,” a CBP spokesperson said.

“CBP officers treat all international travellers with integrity, respect and professionalism while keeping the highest standards of security.”

Due to the amount being for personal use, Heaton was reportedly sent back to the UK rather than being charged in the US. Whether he will be able to return to the country remains unknown.

Netflix would not comment on the situation, nor whether Heaton will be able to return for further seasons of Stranger Things.

Meanwhile, the second season of Stranger Things has become available on Netflix to mixed reviews.