Man who swallowed ICE drugs dies in police custody

A 37-year-old man who was arrested by the Piliyandala Police on charges of possessing drugs has died after swallowing methamphetamine also known as ICE, police said.

The police arrested four persons including the deceased Iresh Udayanga during a raid at Karadiyana on information that they were dealing in narcotics.

During the search, the suspect was found in possession of 500 milligrams of ice, Rs. 70,000 cash and an electronic scale, police said.

The suspects were arrested and taken to the police station.

However, the victim was rushed to the Piliyandala Hospital by the police after he was unconscious at the police station.

When the doctor inquired about the victim's conditions, he was informed that the suspect had swallowed 5 grams of ice.

Then he was immediately taken to Colombo South Teaching Hospital where he died within hours, police said.

Police said the deceased had been arrested on several occasions previously with drugs. (Bimal Shayman)