Philippine authorities investigating the apparent suicide of a U.S. naval officer at Manila's airport say tests on a suspicious powder he was carrying show it was not cocaine, as police initially suspected.
Thirty-five-year-old U.S. Lieutenant Commander Scintar Mejia, who is of Philippine descent, leapt to his death at the airport Monday after being arrested on suspicion of illegal drug possession.
Mejia was preparing to board a flight to Los Angeles late Sunday when authorities found him carrying a packet of white powder resembling cocaine during a security check. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said Tuesday chemical tests on the powder later showed that it did not contain dangerous drugs.
Philippine authorities say Mejia became unruly at the security checkpoint and threw the packet at security personnel before being detained and held overnight in the airport. They say he asked to use the bathroom Monday morning, but broke away while being escorted and jumped head-first from a second-floor staircase.
Mejia died of head injuries at a hospital. The U.S. Embassy in Manila has said it is aware of the case and is awaiting more information from Philippine authorities.
Thirty-five-year-old U.S. Lieutenant Commander Scintar Mejia, who is of Philippine descent, leapt to his death at the airport Monday after being arrested on suspicion of illegal drug possession.
Mejia was preparing to board a flight to Los Angeles late Sunday when authorities found him carrying a packet of white powder resembling cocaine during a security check. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said Tuesday chemical tests on the powder later showed that it did not contain dangerous drugs.
Philippine authorities say Mejia became unruly at the security checkpoint and threw the packet at security personnel before being detained and held overnight in the airport. They say he asked to use the bathroom Monday morning, but broke away while being escorted and jumped head-first from a second-floor staircase.
Mejia died of head injuries at a hospital. The U.S. Embassy in Manila has said it is aware of the case and is awaiting more information from Philippine authorities.
