Death of Nelson man suspected to be drug-related

The death of a Nelson jeweller is being treated as suspicious by police who believe it may be drug-related.

Nelson Bays Area Commander Inspector Brian McGurk said police were called to the emergency department of Nelson Hospital about 6am this morning.

The 37-year-old man had been taken to the hospital in a private car and was dead in the back seat, he said.

Mr McGurk said the death was believed to be drug related.

The man is believed to be a jeweller who used to live in Auckland but had been residing in Nelson for the last five months.

His next of kin are in the United Kingdom and police have been unable to confirm his identity.

"We are treating the death as suspicious as the circumstances certainly warrant further investigation."

The man who drove the vehicle to the hospital has been arrested for breaching his bail conditions.

- NZPA