Diagnosis: Body Packing (“Mules”)
• This is a case of a drug packer (“mule”), which refers to a person who swallows numerous small plastic containers, latex balloons, or condoms that are filled with cocaine or heroin. A gross disease specimen of the opened stomach with contents from autopsy would show containers with the drug.
• This person swallowed the containers with the drug in Colombia and flew to New York City. Once couriers clear customs, they typically unload their cargo at a nearby motel. If a balloon breaks, the courier may die from an acute intoxication (an overdose).
• The balloons also can cause death by intestinal obstruction or perforation.