Updated | Man in drug arrest commits suicide at Police depot

A Maltese man, 39 of Zejtun, has hanged himself using a bedsheet inside the Floriana depot lock-up. He had been arrested in a drug bust on Wednesday.

During the 3am police checks on the lock-up cells, officers discovered one of the detainees with a bedsheet around his neck, which was tied to the bars of his cell. The man was immediately given first aid and an ambulance was called. Paramedics began CPR. The man was however certified dead in hospital, one hour later.

Commissioner of Police Michael Cassar conveyed a press conference this morning, during which he confirmed details of the case. Cassar confirmed that the cell had been sealed. Asked whether any foul play was suspected, the chief of Police said it will be up to the inquiry - led by Magistrate Charmaine Galea - to determine that.

Yesterday the Police said that weeks of surveillance led to the seizure of 11kg of drugs

He also confirmed that the police will not be involved in the inquiry since the suicide was committed while the man was in their custody.

The victim had been arrested in a drug bust on Wednesday that saw 8kg of cocaine and 3kg of heroin being seized by drugs squad police in two properties owned by the man in question, in Marsa and Zejtun.

Details of his criminal record were not given but the police said it was not his first time being detained.