A 19-year-old Jamaican man taken off an aircraft at Shannon was still seriously ill in hospital last night. One or more packets of cocaine are thought to have burst in his stomach. Hospital sources said he was out of danger.
Gardai are guarding, the man at Ennis hospital. He has already, passed 28 5g packets of cocaine and told doctors there are still three in his stomach. Gardai say an X-ray supports this.
The man was taken to hospital on Sunday night after his flight from London to New York was diverted to Shannon when he became ill.
He was being deported from London after being refused admission by immigration officers who found he had only £40 in his possession.
The man is not known to have a police record in Jamaica and gardai have contacted Interpol.
The drugs are said to be worth between £11 000 and £15,000.