A man died at Manchester Airport after he swallowed what is believed to be cocaine found in his underwear, the Manchester Evening News understands. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 27 year-old man’s death following his arrest by Border Force officers at the airport on Wednesday (February 19).
There was no new statement from the IOPC on Friday (February 21). The man hasn’t yet been named. He is understood to have been stopped while going through security at Terminal 2. The IOPC confirmed he was detained after ‘displaying unusual behaviour’.
Multiple sources have confirmed he was searched and arrested after drugs were found in his underwear. He was taken to a holding area after his arrest, where he became unwell. Paramedics were called, but he was pronounced dead at 1.53pm.
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Sources confirmed to the M.E.N. the man ingested a quantity of the drugs. The M.E.N. also understands he was booked onto a flight to Qatar and may have had connecting flights on from there.
The IOPC issued a statement on Thursday. It read: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of a 27 year-old man’s death following his arrest by Border Force officers at Manchester Airport on Wednesday 19 February.
“Our investigation follows a referral from the Home Office which detailed how the man was due to travel from the airport on Wednesday and was stopped after displaying unusual behaviour.
“He was subsequently arrested by officers and taken to a holding area where he became unwell and paramedics were called. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 1.53pm. After being notified of the man’s death, we declared an independent investigation into the circumstances at 4.29pm on Wednesday. IOPC investigators were sent to the scene to begin gathering evidence.”
There has been no further information released by the IOPC. Director Amanda Rowe said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones, as well as all those affected by his death. When someone dies after being taken into custody, it is important for there to be a thorough investigation to understand what has happened.
“We have been in touch with the man’s family to explain our role and will keep them updated as the investigation progresses. Our investigation is in its very early stages and no further information is available at this time.”
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