Argentinian police are investigating two employees at the Buenos Aires hotel where singer Liam Payne fell to his death. The investigation focuses on claims that the employees supplied Payne with drugs in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Authorities are currently working to determine whether this played a role in his untimely death.
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The staff in question worked at the CasaSur boutique hotel in the upscale Palermo district.
One of the employees, a cleaner, is accused of smuggling drugs into the singer’s suite. The substances were reportedly hidden in a Dove soap box found in Payne’s room after his death.
The police discovered a variety of narcotics, including white powder, crystals, and tablets, in Payne’s third-floor suite.
Embed from Getty ImagesEarly reports suggest that the substances may be cocaine and crack cocaine. According to investigators, these materials have been sent for analysis to confirm their composition.
The hotel management had already been alerted to the suspicious behavior of the two men.
One employee was dismissed shortly after Payne’s death when it was revealed that a taxi sent to pick up packages for the singer had gone to the cleaner’s home.
“A couple of guys at the hotel were giving Liam drugs,” a close friend of Payne shared.
They continued: “They arranged for taxis to collect packages for him.” The friend added that Payne had been trying to stay sober but was quickly offered drugs and alcohol upon arriving at the hotel.
Following this revelation, investigators have questioned both men, trying to determine their involvement in the case.
Embed from Getty ImagesPolice are also probing whether the drugs they supplied contributed to Payne’s death, which occurred after a fall from the third floor of the hotel.
The CasaSur Hotel has yet to release an official statement regarding the ongoing investigation.
Embed from Getty ImagesRepresentatives of the hotel have declined to comment, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues to unfold.
The Argentine Ministry of Justice has also requested a full toxicological examination to be completed before Payne’s body can be released to his family for repatriation.
This thorough process could delay the return of his remains to the UK by up to 15 days.
Embed from Getty ImagesPayne’s post-mortem report revealed that the 31-year-old singer died from multiple injuries sustained in the fall. However, further tests will determine if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time, as lead investigator Prosecutor Marcelo Roma continues to push for more details.
Liam Payne’s father, Geoff Payne, traveled to Buenos Aires last week.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe had to formally identify his son’s body and assist in the repatriation process.
Payne’s remains are expected to be flown back to the UK for burial once the investigations conclude.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe full toxicology report is eagerly awaited, with investigators hoping it will shed light on whether Payne was intoxicated at the time of his death, potentially linking the unlawful substances to the tragedy.
