Herbert Miller, the pastor of Woodbury United Methodist Church in Connecticut, was arrested in a sting operation following a tip-off, according to local paper the Republican-American.

The 63-year-old, who has previously led other Methodist churches in the region, was found to be in possession of crystal meth in ‘rock’ form as well as liquid, police say.

He has been charged with offences including possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance and use of drug paraphernalia.

The pastor will appear in court on Friday 23 February.