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03

Jun 2021

Last Updated: 03/06/2021
Crime
Crime

Man died in Harrogate swallowing suspected drugs he was hiding from police

by Calvin Robinson

| 03 Jun, 2021
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An Independent Office for Police Conduct report finds the police officers tried to save the man and acted with 'diligence and professionalism' and there were no grounds for disciplinary proceedings or criminal action.

harrogate-police-station

A man died in Harrogate after swallowing a suspected package of drugs that he was hiding from North Yorkshire Police officers.

According to an Independent Office for Police Conduct report, on February 23, 2019, officers from the county lines drugs team saw the unnamed man who they suspected was involved in supplying controlled drugs.

After they stopped him, he immediately swallowed what was believed to be a package of drugs.

Officers and paramedics tried to help after the man started to choke and managed to dislodge the package from his throat.



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He was transported to Harrogate District Hospital where he received medical treatment, but died.

The report, published last week, added:

“Our investigation concluded there was no indication the officers may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence. 
“The officers were treated as witnesses and cooperated fully with this investigation. The evidence also suggested that all reasonable attempts were made to provide the man with medical assistance at the scene. The officers continued this work until paramedics arrived. 
“Their actions in this regard demonstrated a commendable degree of diligence and professionalism.”


The IOPC said the investigation was completed in September 2019, but was published following the outcome of an inquest in March this year.

The inquest reached a conclusion of accidental death.