Hospital 'freed drug courier'

Police accused hospital managers of condoning drug smuggling after they allowed a courier who swallowed pounds 40,000 worth of heroin to walk free after treatment. He had vomited drugs in 31 rubber sachets, but North Staffordshire Hospital refused to breach its confidentiality code by naming him to police.

Det Chief Insp Hugh Tyson said: 'They are encouraging people to swallow and import drugs which are killing users.' Stuart Gray, the hospital general manager, said the patient had threatened to leave if his confidentiality was not respected.