Body Packer Syndrome - Ethical Issues? A Case Series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jiafm.2024.46.1.20Keywords:
Body packer syndrome, Illicit drug smuggling, Gold smuggling;, Role of doctors.Abstract
Transporting the foreign bodies, goods, outside or inside the body is called body packer or body pusher or body stuffers and also mules. Contraband substances and specially gold are smuggled in this process. If suspected by Custom Agency or the Police, they refer the case for medical examination and further medico-legal process of recovery of these substances from human body. The role of the doctors is very crucial as far as the life of mules, amount of material to be recovered, preservation of the evidence material including documents, radiological evidence, x-rays and the procedural methods followed, till handing over the recovered material to the concerned officer and keeping records. In the present study, we discussed various cases of body packers which smuggled cocaine and gold. NCCT scan of abdomen is more effective technique to identify body packers. The work experience of such cases in tertiary care hospital is presented here with the aim to share with medical professionals and medico-legal experts.
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