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‘Robocop’ who targeted drug dealers died at home from heroin overdose
Justin Davenport, Crime Editor7 Aug 2009
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.
Reader views (16)
What a waste of a life! This man gave everything to the Police force. I just wish he spoke to his friends and colleagues who would have done everything in their power to support him. The MET are losing good officers to drugs and the like. Make the MET sit up and take action to look after their Officers and give them the support they need to continue with the daily duties! Dave you were a good friend and we will never forget you!
- Anon, London, 11/08/2009 11:31
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It is tragic, but what I would like to know is where he got his supply of drugs from? did he report fully the drugs confiscated from the dealers or did he buy them and them later arrested the dealers?
- Tony, thornton heath, surrey, 09/08/2009 16:37
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He should have known better so what you sow you shall reap.
- Brian Fast, sydney, Australia, 09/08/2009 11:31
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My name is Ryan and David was my uncle, he was a great man and I will miss him.I am shocked at the cause of his death!!!
- Ryan, Canada, 08/08/2009 22:43
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Quote: O B Server, Victoria, Canada. Such people would be far better served if they could once again simply get their heroin on prescription from their family doctor, like before.
Would this also apply to cigarettes, alcohol, and gambling addictions; O B Server, Victoria, Canada?
If so; you can pay for mine as well, but don’t expect me to pay for yours, I need the money for other things.
- Mickinlondon, london., 08/08/2009 11:17
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Remember that scene in the French Connection 2 where Gene Hackman plays a cop tracking down drug dealers in France. They catch him and force him to take the drug.....
- C.C Baxter, London, 08/08/2009 02:52
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REST IN PEACE. PC PILLING.
- Kofinho, London, UK, 08/08/2009 00:19
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Little surprises me anymore, in Brown's Banana Republic.
- Dave, Cumbria, 07/08/2009 22:29
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Did drugs prohibition - the prohibition of all those illegal drugs this man took - serve this man in any way?
How did our laws which imprison people for taking prohibited drugs help this man?
Such people would be far better served if they could once again simply get their heroin on prescription from their family doctor, like before. At least dosage would be controlled, accidental overdoses like this one less likely. His doctor could have counseled him - though this poor man was himself a well-studied professional who knew well the dangers of drugs.
Drugs prohibition is failing and hurting all of us, user or not.
- O B Server, Victoria, Canada, 07/08/2009 21:33
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I am not one to suggest conspiracy theories but how do we know that the poor man was not set up?? I find it hard to believe that he took drugs. There is nothing that can't be 'arranged' these days. If I am right lets hope that the poor man has not died in vain!
- Ola Samuel, London, 07/08/2009 19:49
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Sounds suspicious to me.
- Cd, London, UK, 07/08/2009 19:42
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What a shame,and a great loss to the drug enforcement team.Chris.Tonbridge.You most certainly can not have a normal life as a drug abuser,this guy had not had a long history of drug abuse,once the addiction had gotten hold of him his Family,friend and work mates would soon have realised as his health both mental and physical would have started to deteriorate,and he would have started to steal and lie to feed his addiction,in short his life would have started to fall apart in every way.Dont be so nieve its dangerous,and gives out the wrong message.
- Kev, London-UK, 07/08/2009 17:00
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My sympathies go to his Family and Colleagues in this very sad situation, however many questions must be raised about this incident.
Re: Andre. I think you are correct on this one.
- Anon, London, 07/08/2009 16:27
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Tragic thing to happen.
- Tony H, Cumbernauld Scotland, 07/08/2009 16:26
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The most interesting thing in this article is the phrase, 'Colleagues said there was nothing in his behaviour to show that he had been using drugs regularly.' it just shows you can have a normal life even if you are a drug user.
- Chris, Tonbridge,England, 07/08/2009 15:31
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Oh no, I can smell another £ wasting inquiry in the pipeline...
- Andre, london, 07/08/2009 13:21
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