BODY SMUGGLING OF ILLICIT DRUGS - 2 CASES REQUIRING SURGICAL INTERVENTION

The smuggling of illicit drugs by concealing them within the human bod y has become a widespread practice. Those individuals who transport pa ckaged drugs are commonly known as ''body packers'' or ''mules''. ''Bo dy stuffers,'' on the other hand, are individuals who emergently place the contraband in a body orifice when they sense apprehension is immi nent. In the latter instance, the drugs are not well packaged for tran sportation by human ''consumption,'' hence the high risk for leakage. These individuals require prompt surgical attention under two circumst ances: when they are found to suffer from drug overdosage caused by in advertent leakage or when obstruction in the body is caused by the dru g-laden bags. Two such cases are reported. The first patient presented with acute drug overdose and required an emergency laparotomy. The se cond patient presented with pyloric obstruction and was treated by end oscopic removal of the bag. One must be aware that these patients are walking time bombs, carrying drugs that may be well packed but have th e potential to deliver a lethal dose without warning. Knowledge of the type of drug and type of packaging are essential in managing these pa tients. The overall plan should be close observation, careful monitori ng, conservative therapy, and expectant rapid surgical intervention as needed.