Beverly Hills, CA — July 22, 2025
A startling new report from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reveals that Paolo Tantoco, heir to the Rustan’s retail empire, used both cocaine and marijuana in the hours leading up to his untimely death.
According to documents obtained by Bilyonaryo.com, Paolo and his wife, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo, had traveled to the United States in early March to visit family. The couple checked into the iconic Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel on March 3. Dina later told police that the two had engaged in heavy use of cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol during their stay.
Final Hours Revealed
In a timeline that adds to the tragedy, Dina disclosed that Paolo used cocaine around 2:00 a.m. on March 8, followed by cannabis between 3:00 to 4:00 a.m. in an effort to sleep. She believes he awoke around 11:00 a.m. and went into the bathroom — but couldn’t confirm whether he used any more substances.
“He came out looking pale and sweaty,” Dina recounted. “He told me he wasn’t feeling well.” Moments later, Paolo collapsed in front of her.
Emergency assistance was summoned immediately. Hotel staff, followed by paramedics, attempted to revive him with CPR and Narcan, a treatment used for opioid overdoses. Despite efforts, Paolo was pronounced dead at 12:05 p.m.
Toxicology Report Confirms Drug Use
The LA County Medical Examiner’s Office issued a medical opinion dated July 9, confirming the presence of cocaine metabolites in Paolo’s system. The official cause of death was ruled an accident, linked to the stimulant’s dangerous impact on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems — especially in individuals with underlying atherosclerotic heart disease.
“The stimulant cocaine can cause adverse cardiovascular, central nervous system, and metabolic effects, leading to death,” the report concluded.
Evidence Found at Scene
Authorities found several incriminating items in the hotel room, including:
- Plastic baggies with white powder in the nightstand
- A small round canister containing half a blue pill, two halves of white pills, and a red gummy substance
These discoveries point to broader substance use and have raised further questions surrounding the circumstances of Paolo’s death.
