South Florida suspect dies after swallowing drugs

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say a South Florida man is dead after swallowing drugs in an apparent attempt to avoid arrest.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office reports that drug task force detectives were conducting an undercover operation in an Oakland Pak neighborhood Wednesday night when 38-year-old Michel Antoine Rodriguez arrived to deliver methamphetamine. When Rodriguez noticed detectives approaching him, authorities say he swallowed the drugs he was carrying.

The sheriff’s office reports that the detectives tried to stop Rodriguez from eating the drugs and called for medical assistance. Oakland Park Fire Rescue transported him to nearby Holy Cross Hospital, where he later died.

Internal affairs detectives are investigating the death.