A prisoner, aged between 45 and 55, died on Sunday after suffering a “sudden” cardiac arrest in the courtyard of Caxias Prison in Lisbon.
The incident was reported by SIC Notícias and confirmed by Frederico Morais, president of the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP).
Speaking to Notícias ao Minuto, the union leader explained that although there was a “limited” number of staff, a prison guard was on site and attempted to assist the inmate.
The nurse on duty was alerted and provided aid, but nothing could be done to change the outcome. The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) was also called in.
According to the SNCGP president, the inmate was not identified as a drug user. It is noteworthy that a synthetic drug known as K4, often mainly composed of rat poison, has been circulating in Portuguese prisons recently. This inmate was not identified as a user of this drug.
An autopsy will be conducted.
