Citation

Lancashire MJ, Legg PK, Lowe M, Davidson SM, Ellis BW. Br. Med. J. (Clin. Res. Ed.) 1988; 296(6628): 1035-1037.

Affiliation

Department of Surgery, Ashford Hospital, Middlesex.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, British Medical Association, Publisher BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

3130126

PMCID

PMC2545559

Abstract

The internal concealment of cocaine and other drugs in packets by "body packers"--those who swallow packets of drugs or hide them in their vagina or rectum--to avoid detection by customs officials has been increasing in both the United States and Europe. The types of package and how they are concealed are changing as the traffickers become more sophisticated in their methods. The latest parcels are less likely to burst, but obstruction of the bowel may occur. Awareness of the problem is important for staff of emergency medical services near international ports of arrival.

Language: en