A Colombian police officer has been admitted to hospital after swallowing a wad of banknotes he extorted from a businessman.The officer had demanded payments in return for not arresting his victim on trumped-up charges - but did not know that the businessman had already reported the shakedown to Colombia's anti-kidnapping and extortion unit.

When anti-corruption investigators arrived the officer gobbled up the cash in the hope of erasing the evidence but quickly realised he had bitten off more than he could chew when the notes got lodged in his throat, blocking his airways and sending him to an emergency clinic.

Videos showed the grey-faced officer pleading his innocence while in a police van after he had swallowed the nine notes in Soacha, a sprawling suburb on the edge of the capital, Bogotá.

the officer can be heard saying while recoiling and gasping for breath.

one anti-corruption officer can be heard saying, as he gives the choking officer medical attention.

Doctors managed to remove the notes - which amounted to 500,000 pesos (£95) - and the officer was hospitalised to treat his stomach.

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Colombian police officer in hospital after swallowing extorted banknotes(https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/15/colombia-police-swallow-money-extortion)