Tragic Liam Payne ‘was smuggled drugs hidden in box of Dove soap’ after being ‘preyed upon by drug dealer hotel workers’
LIAM Payne was supplied with drugs hidden in a Dove Soap box, Argentinian cops believe.
Investigators in Liam’s tragic death believe the star was “preyed upon” by hotel staff who supplied the drugs just 24 hours after the singer was given the all-clear.
Cops are probing two hotel staff in connection with the deals including a cleaner at the CasaSur boutique hotel in Buenos Aires.
Their theory is that the drugs found in the star’s hotel room were sourced in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood 15 miles away.
An address in the city of Lomas de Zamora is said to match up with a man suspected of being involved in supplying the substance, sources said.
Shocking pictures from Liam’s room show his TV smashed, a white powder, foil as well as an empty Dove soap box.
A source alleged hotel workers had started selling Liam drugs at some point in the time he checked in at 11pm.
They said they did not know what drugs Liam was buying or how much he had spent on them.
However, according to US reports Liam was under the influence of Cristal, a hallucinogenic substance which causes psychotic episodes.
Multiple staff members were reportedly set to be fired over allegedly supplying drugs to Liam.
It comes after the One Direction star had been given the all-clear on a drug test the day before he plunged to his death from the third-floor hotel balcony.
A pal of Liam’s told The Sun that Liam had entered Argentina on September 30 to renew his American visa.
They claim US embassy officials said Liam needed to take a drug test to prove he was clean to have his renewal approved.
It comes as:
- Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy is seen with pals in Florida
- Liam was ‘plied with drugs supplied by hotel staff,’ cops believe
- Liam Payne was ‘completely clean’ in tests to renew US visa
- The star’s dad is ‘determined to accompany him home’ to UK
- MTV set to pay tribute to Liam at award ceremony next month
- Liam’s ex Danielle Peazer says he messaged her before he died
- Mourners gather at vigils around the world to honour Liam
- Liam’s body could take weeks to be returned to grieving family
- Liam was ‘re-working’ favourite 1D track hours before his death
They said: “The embassy said Liam needed to do a strict investigation including X-rays and a blood test to search for traces of drugs.
“When he checked in at the hotel, at some point someone there started giving him drugs.
“Liam had tried really hard to get clean, then he’s been preyed upon.
“These people just care about money – they don’t care about putting people’s lives in danger.
“It’s an evil trade. This is all just tragic.”
The source also said Liam’s good friend Roger last saw the star for ten minutes and that he left the hotel at 3.30pm.
They said: “Roger told him, ‘I’ve got to run’ and Liam said, ‘Go do your own thing’. That was the last thing they said to each other.”
The 31-year-old tragically fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel in Buenos Aires last Wednesday.
Hoel guests reported the singer was seen behaving erratically in the hotel lobby moments before he died – with Liam admitting to one woman: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m so f**ked up.”
It appears he spent some of his final hours at the hotel with two local women, who The Sun on Sunday revealed are Aldana Serrano, 27, and Lucila Goitea, 31.
Meanwhile, Liam’s devastated dad has been reportedly trying to get his son’s body back home to the UK as soon as possible.
They are currently finishing the necessary paperwork to have his body repatriated, the Buenos Aires Herald was told.
Liam was in Buenos Aires for pal Niall Horan’s tour when he died.
He had shared a post on Snapchat only minutes before his death and showed him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking into a mirror.
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, tributes have flooded in around the world from devastated fans.
Tributes to Liam Payne
SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.
Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.
He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..
“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..
“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.
He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…
“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”
Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.
The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.
“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.
Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.
She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.
“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.
Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.