The risk of drug swallowing at the point of arrest: An analysis of 24 cocaine-related deaths following police care or custody in England and Wales

Abstract

The increase in cocaine use in young people has been reflected in an increase in the number of deaths in which cocaine is identified post mortem. This increase is evident in relation to police custody deaths. In the current analysis, 43 drug-related deaths in custody are considered with cocaine identified in 24 of the post mortem examinations. The article examines the characteristics of these deaths, with particular attention paid to the method and related reasons for drug consumption. Crucially, these deaths contrast with national drug mortality data as they generally involve cocaine consumed by swallowing at the point of arrest. A total of 18 of 24 cocaine deaths involved oral ingestion with at least 15 of these possible attempts at drug concealment occurring at the point of arrest. There is likely to be a considerable risk of loss of life among street-level drug dealers who swallow to avoid drug detection; the article examines the risks associated with this behaviour and possible preventative strategies.