Body Packer Syndrome
Definition: the clinical condition resulting from internal concealment and transport of illicit drugs within the gastrointestinal tract, usually by swallowing multiple drug-filled packets for smuggling purposes.
Common drugs carried: cocaine, heroin, morphine, methamphetamine, hashish.
Body Packers vs Body Stuffers
| Feature | Body Packers | Body Stuffers |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Planned smuggling | Quick concealment from police |
| Number of packets | Large | Few |
| Packaging | Professionally wrapped | Poorly wrapped |
| Risk of rupture | Lower | Higher |
| Drug quantity | Large | Small to moderate |
Pathogenesis
Drug-filled packets → swallowed → packets in GIT → rupture of packet → massive drug absorption → acute poisoning → death.