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A suspected drug dealer who went on toilet strike for 47 days in police custody has been released and taken to hospital for treatment.

Lamarr Chambers, 24, of Villa Road, Brixton, London was arrested on Wednesday, January 17 after the car he was in was stopped in Harlow and appeared before a court a day later after police suspected he had swallowed drugs.

At that hearing, and in several other hearings, the court authorised the detention of Mr Chambers to enable him to pass the drugs police suspected were inside him.

Time Line Suspected Harlow drug dealer won't poo out his drugs Arrest Lamarr Chambers, 24, was arrested by officers from Essex Police's Operation Raptor West team for failing to stop for police in Ladyshot, Harlow, along with possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Drugs Police allege that Chambers has swallowed the drugs. He is staying in custody in Harlow. 15 days later On Thursday, February 1, Operation Raptor West confirmed on Twitter that Chambers was yet to pass out the suspected drugs. The tweet said: "Day 15 today and no movements, unless anything changes overnight then we will be back to court tomorrow for the third time in this case requesting a further 8 days." Back in court Chambers appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 2 as police put in another application for him to remain in custody in Harlow. It was accepted, and Chambers will remain in custody for a further seven days, until Friday, February 9. Suspect enters third week At 6.20pm on Wednesday, February 7, the Operation Raptor West team's account confirmed that 21 days had now passed with no movement from the suspect's bowels. Chambers breaks British record On Saturday February 10 Chambers breaks the British record for spending the most days in custody while police wait for him to poo out his drugs. It has now been 23 days and counting for Chambers and there has still been no movement or sign of the drugs he is believed to have swallowed. Another return to court Chambers returns to Chelmsford Magistrates Court as police put in another application extend his custody. It was granted with the 24-year-old to remain in custody until Monday, February 19. It has now been 28 days without any movement from his bowls. Sixth time in court Chambers appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Monday, February 19, for the sixth time. The police's application to extend his custody was granted until Friday, February 23. It has now been 33 days without him going to the toilet. Another visit to court Chambers appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Friday, February 23, for the seventh time. He will be held in custody until his next court appearance on Monday, February 26. It has now been 37 days without him going to the toilet.

But after 47 days in custody, Mr Chambers had still not emptied his bowels, as Essex Live reports

Essex Police confirmed that during his time in custody he was routinely supplied with food and water and received medical visits every day.

Mr Chambers had been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and driving matters, but the charges have now been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He was subsequently rearrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug and was released on bail.

Since his release from custody, he has been taken to hospital for treatement.

Deputy Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: "Police forces have a legal and ethical responsibility for the welfare of anyone brought in to police custody. Although an investigation concerning the supply of Class A drugs is routine for our officers, there have in this case been some highly unusual circumstances which have attracted national attention.

“On the basis of all the medical evidence in this case it is most appropriate, both in the interests of Mr Chambers and of justice, to ensure he receives the hospital treatment he needs.

“Where detainees are suspected of ingesting or concealing drugs inside their body, we must balance overseeing their welfare and ensuring that all evidence is captured to ensure the best possible chance of prosecution.

“In some cases this will involve seeking the continued detention of a suspect, as authorised by the courts, to ensure that drugs are passed, retained and tested. That evidence will then form the basis of subsequent charging decisions and court proceedings.

“Essex Police’s Operation Raptor teams spend every day proactively hunting those involved in the supply and sale of drugs on our streets. It is a crime that we are not prepared to tolerate in this county and we will go to every length to capture and prosecute those responsible.

“We will also not shy away from talking about the unpleasant truths that go hand in hand with the drug dealing lifestyle, from the violence often perpetrated by those involved to the expectation on dealers to ‘plug’ drugs to avoid capture.