Image: AP
A 23-year-old university student in the US was left inside a windowless Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holding cell for nearly five days after agents decided he would not be charged in a drug investigation. The incident, which took place in San Diego in April 2012, later led to a $4.1 million settlement with the US government and an investigation that exposed serious failures within the DEA’s detention procedures.
As his condition deteriorated, he screamed for help, tried to attract attention and eventually carved the words “Sorry Mom” into his arm. With no food, drinking water or access to a toilet, he was forced to drink his own urine in a desperate attempt to stay alive. When agents finally discovered him, he was severely dehydrated and required hospital treatment.
Following the incident, Chong’s attorney, Eugene Iredale, filed a $20 million administrative claim against the federal government in May 2012. No one took responsibility for confirming that he had been released.
He was questioned by agents and, according to his account, was told that he would not be charged and could go home. He also ingested methamphetamine that he found inside the cell, according to reports about the incident. Chong was among nine people detained during the operation. As the hours passed, Chong became increasingly desperate. With no access to water, he resorted to drinking his own urine to prevent himself from dying of thirst. An investigation by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General examined how Chong could have remained inside the facility for so long without anyone ensuring his release. The investigation found that four DEA employees, including three case agents and a supervisor, had seen or heard Chong during the period of his detention. However, they assumed that someone else would return to process him. The claim sought compensation for the physical injuries and psychological trauma caused by the detention.