Paris Hilton tells police she thought cocaine was gum

Of all the lame excuses.

Looks like Paris is trying to wiggle out of her most recent run-in with the law the same way she did when she was arrested in Africa for marijuana possession: claim the drugs aren't hers and hope a very loyal friend steps up to take the rap for her.

Hilton was charged with cocaine possession after a weekend arrest in Las Vegas. If convicted, the 29-year-old heiress could face up to four years in prison.

This situation calls for... lip balm?

According to police reports, Paris and pals were pulled over on the Las Vegas strip when officers detected the distinct smell of marijuana coming from the car. Upon being stopped, Hilton tried to roll up the car window.

As so often is the case when Hilton is involved, a crowd began to gather around the vehicle, prompting Paris to say how embarrassed she was and asked if she could go to the bathroom at a nearby hotel. 

Hhhmmmm ... a sudden need to wee, Paris?

Anyway, she then asked the officer if she could put on some lip balm (apparently her lips, along with the rest of her, was beginning to crack under the pressure).

Moisturizing her lips proved a dumb move.

As she opened her purse, the officer said a bundle of what looked to be cocaine in a clear baggie tumbled out and ironically ... right into the his hand.

What's in Paris' purse

Also in the purse? Cigarette wrappers commonly used for marijuana, a broken Albuterol tablet (commonly prescribed for asthma), $1,300 in cash.

As for the .8 grams of cocaine -- Paris said it, as well as the purse, were not hers.

In fact, according to the report, when the officer asked her about the cocaine, Paris "said she had not seen it, but now thought it was gum."

Really?

Not surprisingly, Hilton's attorney said on Saturday that "the matter will be dealt with in the courts, not in the media, and I encourage people not to rush to judgment until all of the facts have been dealt with in a court of law."

Julie W. of Cincinnati said, "This is exactly what's wrong with rich, young Hollywood -- they're often reckless and when they get caught, it's never their fault. I mean, come on ... she thought it was chewing gum? We're really supposed to believe that? Give me a break."

Cincinnati: What do you think of Paris' "chewing gum" claim?

Source: US Magazine Online