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Man Dies After Swallowing Drugs Post-Arrest
19 Oct
Summary
- David Brown died after swallowing 10 bags of cocaine.
- He collapsed at his partner's home after police release.
- An inquest is examining the cause of his death.
An inquest commenced on October 12, 2026, regarding the death of David Brown, 41. Brown collapsed at his partner's residence on August 21, 2024, following his release from St Anne's Street police station in Liverpool. The hearing, attended by a jury at Wirral Coroners Court, is scheduled for five days.
Assistant coroner David Lewis informed the jury that Brown was a passenger in a taxi stopped by Merseyside Police officers. Suspicion of drug possession led to his arrest and transport to the station. A search at the station yielded no findings, and he was subsequently released.
Brown later suffered an apparent seizure at his partner's home. Paramedics were informed by his partner that he had swallowed 10 bags of cocaine. Despite resuscitation attempts at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, he was pronounced dead.
Pathologist Dr Jonathan Metcalfe testified that a cocaine wrap was found in Brown's oesophagus, though none elsewhere. Toxicology reports indicated a high cocaine concentration in his blood. Marks on his body were attributed to restraint or life-saving efforts, with no evidence of violence.
Brown's niece described him as a devoted father and family man. The cause of death was determined to be cocaine toxicity. The jury continues to hear evidence in this ongoing inquest.
