MAN SWALLOWS BAG OF DRUGS, DIES

A Surrey man has died in police custody after swallowing a plastic
bag believed to contain street drugs.

Surrey RCMP confirmed Friday that 22-year-old Brandon Whitelaw of
Surrey died after swallowing the bag during his arrest.

Members of the Surrey RCMP Drug Section were investigating a home on
Ravine Road for drug dealing Thursday afternoon when two men from the
residence left in a vehicle.

A short time later, RCMP said the vehicle was being driven
erratically and it was pulled over near 106 Avenue and 132 Street.

The officers found evidence of drugs inside the vehicle and arrested the men.

Shortly after being handcuffed, Whitelaw went into medical distress
due to an airway obstruction. He later died at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

According to Surrey RCMP, the man received immediate emergency
treatment at the scene.

An autopsy is under way, and RCMP have yet to determine what
substance the man swallowed.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over the investigation.