Police have charged a 20-year-old man in connection with a crash that killed two of his passengers in North Canterbury earlier this year.

The crash happened on Butchers Road in Clarkville on 11 January, when the vehicle hit a concrete power pole with such force that it split in half.

A 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman, who were passengers in the car, died at the scene.

The driver sustained minor injuries.

Following an investigation, police arrested the 20-year-old driver on 26 February.

He has been charged with two counts of causing death while under the influence of drugs.

Police allege the man was under the influence of a drug to such an extent that he was incapable of properly controlling the vehicle.

He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today.

Police said they are unable to comment further while the matter is before the court.