A Lao man suspected of trafficking crystal meth died in Stung Treng Provincial Hospital on Monday after reportedly suffering a heart attack.

The deceased, Pheng Phana Ngov, 42, was arrested on Thursday and charged with drug trafficking after allegedly being busted with 2 kilograms of crystal meth.

San Keo, spokesman for the General Department of Prisons, said Ngov died of a heart attack due to his history of drug use.

“The detainee was a Lao citizen. He was sent to the prison on the 26th and he died on 28th at 8pm . . . He had difficulty breathing, and we sent him to a nearby hospital, but he died on the way. According to the doctor, he died of a heart attack,” Keo said. “We tried to save him by using first aid, but we couldn’t because he did too much drugs.”

Keo said Cambodian authorities have contacted the Laos Consulate in Stung Treng to arrange the return of the body to his family.

Ngov is the second suspect to die in custody this month, with suspected meth trafficker Si La Loy dying at Russian Hospital last Tuesday in Phnom Penh.