Student arrested in drugs raid dies after falling ill in custody

A MATURE student arrested during a drugs raid on his college apartment died yesterday after being held in a garda station cell.

NUI Maynooth college staff were last night reeling from shock after the cannabis and ecstasy find and the 29-year-old’s subsequent death.

Studying his second and final diploma year in community and youth work, the north Dublin man was visited by a neighbourhood friend on Monday night at his university residence.

Early on Tuesday morning, gardaí raided the apartment with the knowledge of college security staff. Using a search warrant, local officers found a quantity of drugs, believed to be bars of cannabis resin and ecstasy.

They arrested the friend but found the diploma student unconscious. The man, from Cabra, was removed by ambulance and taken to Blanchardstown Hospital but he discharged himself later that day, the HSE confirmed.

At 7pm that evening he returned to his apartment at the campus without the knowledge of college authorities. Gardaí arrived a few hours later arresting him, after finding hundreds of ecstasy tablets.

He was taken to Naas Garda Station under the Misuse of Drugs Act for questioning.

By midnight, the student asked to suspend the period of questioning, as is provided for. He was then placed in a cell.

But early yesterday morning, gardaí became concerned about the student’s sleeping pattern and health.

“Shortly before 5am this morning gardaí became concerned about his health and summoned a doctor and an ambulance, CPR was administered and he was brought to Naas Hospital,” said a garda statement.

The student subsequently died and hospital authorities last night said a post mortem was expected.

A superintendent from a separate division is investigating the death.

NUI Maynooth vice president Jim Walsh said staff and fellow pupils were shocked.

“He was part of a close group of friends and we extend our condolences to them and his family. He was due to return to his charity work after this year.”

Mr Walsh stressed the university had a very strict policy on using illegal substances. It was a “zero tolerance” attitude.

Counselling will be offered to the dead student’s classmates.