Liam Payne was 'preyed on' by drug dealers says pal who insists star had been clean 'for weeks'

A friend of Liam Payne has claimed the star was clean of drugs in the weeks before his tragic death at the age of 31. The One Direction star fell to his death in Argentina last week

Liam Payne was preyed on by drug dealers in Buenos Aires, according to a close friend.

The One Direction star fell to his death at a hotel in the Argentinian capital last week at the age of 31. According to Argentine media reports, the musician had traces of cocaine in his body, forensic experts have discovered. Respected news portal Infobae said materials extracted from the singer’s body in an autopsy following his death last Wednesday had “determined the presence of the class-A drug."

Now, Liam's friend has claimed he had been targeted by dealers who allegedly delivered drugs to his hotel room after he had been clean for weeks.

Liam's friend told Mail Online how Liam had previously been in rehab in both the UK and California. They claimed he had recently been taken on by a new psychiatrist in Florida and those around him had hoped he was on the road to recovery.

"He went to Argentina to renew his USA visa where he had to undergo medical examination because of his history with alcohol and drugs," the source said. "The results of the tests were good. Liam was 100 per cent sober. But when he checked in at the hotel, at some point someone there started giving him drugs."

They added that Liam had been trying really hard to stay clean but claimed "they preyed on him," saying those involved only cared about money and not the star's health.

Two members of staff at the Casa Sur Hotel are said to be under investigation following Liam's death. According to the Daily Mail, a cleaner and another member of staff at the hotel had reportedly hid drugs in a Dove soap box, which has since been found by police. It was reported that white powder residue, crystals, tablets and other forms of drug paraphernalia, were noticed in Liam's suite.

Investigators looking into the tragic death of Liam Payne are also said to be checking potential links to VIP drug dealers, according to reports.

The drug "pink cocaine" that is said to have been found in Liam's body is unlike traditional cocaine. It contains a lethal mixture of drugs including MDMA, ketamine, methamphetamine, cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack. The drug can cause users to have psychedelic and hallucinogenic experiences - including an altered sense of reality, panic and paranoia.

The drug, locally referred to as “tusi” or “tuci”, is thought to have originated in Colombia. However, it has gone on to become popular in clubs and raves. Due to its highly variable and often unregulated chemical composition, users can be faced with significant, and potentially deadly side effects, including euphoria, increased alertness and enhanced sensory perception.

*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.