BODY CARRY DRUG SMUGGLERS

 To avoid a Customs examination the

courier swallows the drug in the form of small pellets wrapped in several layers of latex which are then placed in condoms or toy balloons to withstand the effects of gastric acid. Before ingesting the pellets the courier may fast up to 48 hours The courier will swallow soup, honey, or oil with the pellets
2

 This process takes 2-16 hours. The pellets weigh between 1 and 5
grams and are 1-3 centimetres long and 1-1 1/2 centimetres wide. Approximately 1,000 grams of a drug could be swallowed.

 In order to prevent the expulsion of

the drug pellets prior to arrival at the destination, a courier takes antacids and anti-diarrhoea and antispasmodic medication to slow down the digestive process. As a result, the pellets can remain in the body 48 hours or longer.
4

 Often the courier will not eat or drink

during a trip - this is why an airline flight crew can be a good source of information for identifying a body carry courier. In some cases, the pellets swallowed last are identified by having been wrapped in a different colour from the rest. This helps the courier to know when all of the pellets have been expelled.
5

COCAINE BODY CARRIES

Colombian female internally carried

49 capsules of cocaine, each weighing 13 grams, for a total of 637 grams. Wrapped as follows : cocaine-latex-plastic, film-latex, latex-wax The capsules had been coated with wax and then cooled rapidly to eliminate air spaces.
6

PHYSICAL INDICATIONS

There are very few physical

indications because of the specialized techniques that are used Signs of sleepiness or dullness Dull/pale complexion These signs may be due to leakage of the drug
7

 Couriers may insert drugs into the

rectal or vaginal cavity in cylindrical form. The cylinders are wrapped in cellophane, then covered with adhesive tape and placed in a condom. In order to ease the insertion of the cylindrical forms into body cavities, they are coated with a lubricant, such as petroleum jelly.
8

PHYSICAL INDICATIONS

Indications of lubricant, or blood

near the body cavity, Red, irritated rectum, Small protuberance at the entrance to the rectum Very pale complexion, glassy eyes, Moist hands or skin, heavy perspiration,
9

 Slowness in responding to questions, Restricted movements due to

cylinders containing drugs inserted into a body cavity, Subject walks very stiffly or with very short steps, Subject leans over to pick up an object in an unnatural manner, Puts body weight all on one side while seated.
10

ITEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BODY CARRY SMUGGLERS

Condoms Antacid tablets Anti-diarrhoea tablets Vitamin E Perfumed sprays

11

 Fruit juice/coconut oil : helps

with re-ingesting pellets Dental floss : to tie ends of condoms Adhesive tape Lubricating cream

12

CHARACTERISTICS OF BODY CARRY SMUGGLERS

Male or female, aged 18-40, Very friendly & co-operative, Returning from a source country
after 1-14 days, Passport shows a history of such trips,
13

 Unemployed or with a low-paying Providing vague reasons for the Exhibiting signs of being extremely
nervous during the control if detained for any length of time.
14

job,

trip, trying to distract the Officer during the examination,

LEAKAGE IS A PROBLEM WITH DRUGS THAT ARE SWALLOWED Signs of heroin intoxication :

Constipation; dry mouth; nausea; abdominal discomfort; shortness of breath; constricted pupils; intermittent unconsciousness.

15

Signs of cocaine intoxication :

Seizures, dilated pupils, excessive thirst, toxic psychosis (paranoia, irrational behaviour, agitated, hyperactive, hypertension, hypothermia.

16

INTERNAL BODY SEARCH

17

DECISION TO CONDUCT AN INTERNAL BODY SEARCH

Usually taken by a superior. After a clear, precise report has

been made by the requesting service. Within a predetermined legal framework. If the suspect refuses to submit to an examination, recourse to the law and then to a doctor.

18

 If the suspect agrees to a search,

visual body search within authorized limits, to obtain added information. The internal body search is a medical procedure which the officer must not perform under any circumstances.
19

 The suspect must be taken to the

doctor under secure conditions (2 officers). Constant surveillance of the suspect, who must never be left alone. The officer must be prepared to inform the doctor of his observations, in order to assist the doctor with the examination.

20