Drug suspect is freed after 47 days of sitting tight

By Daily Telegraph Reporter A SUSPECTED drug dealer who spent nearly 50 days in police custody because he refused to defecate has been released over fears for his life.

Lamarr Chambers, 24, of Brixton, south London, was arrested on Jan 17 on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

While being chased through Harlow, Essex, Mr Chambers is believed to have swallowed the drugs he was suspected of carrying.

He became the focus of a “poowatch” as Harlow Police Station posted regular updates about his lack of bowel movements over the last 47 days.

He was routinely supplied with food and water, received medical visits every day and comprehensive health reports were provided to the court, a spokesman for Essex Police said. “Despite this, nothing was passed by Mr Chambers, who also routinely declined medical treatment,” she said.

As fears for the suspect’s health grew, police eventually decided to drop the charges.

Mr Chambers was immediately rearrested on suspicion of a lesser charge of being concerned in the supply of Class-a drugs and was freed on bail. He was then taken to hospital for treatment.

Dept Chief Constable Ben-julian Harrington, who took the decision to release Chambers from custody, said: “On the basis of all the medical evidence … it is most appropriate, both in the interests of Mr Chambers and of justice, to ensure he receives the hospital treatment he needs.”

After 47 days in police custody, Chambers “would rather die” than go to the lavatory, his lawyer had told Chelmsford magistrates’ court.