'Robo-cop' dies of drug overdose.
Robocop’ who targeted drug dealers died at home from heroin overdose
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent
07.08.09
A Met police officer renowned as a scourge of London drug dealers was found dead in his flat from a heroin overdose.
David Pilling - who was known as “Robocop” for his efforts in tackling drugs - was found collapsed at his home in Camden earlier this year.
An inquest heard yesterday how the 47-year-old died from an overdose from a heroin injection while his body also had traces of cocaine and Ecstasy use.
His sudden death shocked friends, colleagues and family none of whom had any idea he took drugs.
Colleagues say the hugely popular officer may have been experimenting with drugs and died from an accidental overdose.
An investigation into his death found that the officer had been looking at websites dealing with drugs and how to take them in the weeks before his death.
Pc Pilling, who was originally from Canada, built up a reputation for tackling drug dealers on his beat in Holborn and Covent Garden.
A member of the local Safer Neighbourhoods Team he once chased a dealer down a flight of steps in Tottenham Court Road on his motorbike.
Camden borough Commander Dominic Clout, said: “PC Pilling was a truly valued member of staff who proved popular with colleagues and members of the local community.
“Clearly Pc Pilling displayed no signs of drug use whilst at Camden borough and his colleagues and supervisors were unaware of any issues relating to drugs.
“The Met does operate an alcohol and substance misuse policy which includes random screening of serving officers. Whilst we will always support colleagues through challenging or difficult times who alert us of potential problems and actively seek help we will never tolerate the use of drugs amongst officers and will deal with any reported cases severely.”
The inquest heard that tests showed the police officer was not a heroin addict.
There was evidence that he had used the drug before and some evidence that he had also tried cocaine and Ecstasy.
Colleagues said there was nothing in his behaviour to show that he had been using drugs regularly.
Detective Inspector Paul Clack of Camden Police said: “The whole thing has been a complete shock to everyone. This came out of the blue.
“There was no major incident in his life that might have prompted this. In fact he was always very active in arresting people in possession of drugs.”
More than 100 friends and colleagues have posted tributes to the officer on internet social networking sites.Source .London Evening Standard.
