Malaysian police probe into addict's death in lock-up

IPOH - Closed-circuit television recordings at the Hilir Perak district police lock-up will be examined after a drug addict collapsed and died on Tuesday.

State deputy police chief Datuk A. Paramasivam said it was to determine whether there were any mischief involved in the death of the detainee, Hassan Salim.

"At the moment, his death has been classified as sudden death pending a post-mortem."

He said Hassan's urine sample had tested positive for morphine.

Giving a chronology of events prior to his death, Paramasivam added that Hassan, 45, from Sabak Bernam, was picked up with 11 other addicts at an oil palm estate in Kampung Seri Perkasa, Hutan Melintang, on Sept 3.

"He was charged on Friday (Sept 13) for failing to produce an identity card as well as for taking drugs."

Paramasivam said as police were preparing to send Hassan to Tapah prison on Tuesday at 12.50pm, he complained of discomfort due to cough before passing out.

"He was then sent to Teluk Intan Hospital for treatment before returning to the lock-up."

He added that Hassan collapsed and died at 3.45pm before he was sent to the prison.

Paramasivam said all standard operating procedures had been adhered to following the incident.

"A magistrate was also asked to view the body in the lock-up after Hassan was certified dead."