Man Coughs up Cocaine While in Custody

A man could face up to 25 years in prison for criminal possession of a controlled substance after coughing up a plastic baggy containing 11 packets of cocaine.

Officers from the Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police Department were bringing in Terrance Haynes, 36, for marijuana possession when he started coughing and then stopped breathing. Police used the Heimlich maneuver, which dislodged the baggy full of cocaine packets. Police believe Haynes put the baggy in his mouth to hide it when he was surprised by cops and that he planned to spit it out at an opportune time. The baggy must have become lodged in Haynes’ throat, blocking his airway.

Although police most likely saved Haynes’ life, he may now spend 25 years in prison instead of a maximum of 90 days in jail for marijuana possession.

Police arrested Haynes for marijuana possession after they approached his stationary car on suspicion of drug dealing and saw pot in the vehicle.

Haynes is being held on $50,000 bond.