Forensic aspects about fatal morphine intoxication of an unusual body packer: Case report and literature review

Forensic Science International: Reports

Fu Zhang¹  Linfeng Li²  Min Liu²  Juntao Li²  Yi Ye²  Xufu Yi²  Yan Gu²  Libing Yun² 

[1] Key Laboratory of Forensic Pathology, Guangdong Public Security Department, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China;Sichuan University West China School of Basic Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China;

关键词: Body packing;    Morphine;    Acute poisoning;    Toxicology;    Death;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Due to the continuous improvement in packaging technique widely used for illicit drug trafficking, body packers involved in criminal activities are rarely arrested or died of chemical intoxication. A fatal case of a young body packer was presented with packages of morphine served as analgesics for clinical activities or raw material for opioids, which was seldom reported for body packing in contrast to the main illegal substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. A literature review regarding deaths from morphine poisoning was conducted to summarize data to support medico-legal practice. Our study provides a possible insight into the packages’ leakage or rupture of illegal substances occasionally discovered during forensic autopsy. Based on the unusual case compared with previous data, raising awareness of the drug traffic pathways of road routes would be useful for identifying possible unrecognized cases of body packing.

【 授权许可】

Unknown