Lamarr Chambers has finally been released – so he can go to hospital (Picture: Getty/Metro.co.uk)

A suspected drug dealer who continually refused to take a poo for 47 days has finally been released by police – so he can go to hospital.

It’s been nearly eight weeks since Lamarr Chambers, 24, was arrested in Harlow, Essex, on January 17.

BAME community will 'suffer again' in second wave

Essex Police believed he had swallowed some of the drugs before his arrest, and repeatedly told Metro.co.uk that they were waiting for him to ‘do what he needs to do’.

But as days turned into weeks, it became clear that Mr Chambers’ situation was becoming increasingly damaging to his health.


After 38 days in police custody, his lawyer told Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court that ‘he would rather die’ than go to the toilet.

His poo strike lasted nearly eight weeks

Officers asked the court for an extension to keep Mr Chambers in custody on seven separate occasions.



The hope that he would finally pass drugs proved in vain, and on Monday, officers finally released him from custody so he could be taken to hospital.

Wind and rain set to bring last days of summer to a chilly end

The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the charges against Mr Chambers in relation to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

However, as soon as those charges were dropped, he was rearrested on a lesser charge and released on bail.

He was then taken in a police car to hospital for treatment.

Mr Chambers’ lawyer told Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court that he would ‘rather die’ than take a poo (Picture: PA)

Deputy Chief Constable BJ Harrington said Chambers’ case was ‘highly unusual’.

Builder 'shot wife's secret lover and burned his body in a rusty oil drum'

‘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,’ he said.

‘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.’