Value of a Systematic Operative Protocol for Cocaine Body Packers

Veyrie, Nicolas; Servajean, Stéphane; Aissat, Abdelhalim; Corigliano, Nicola; Angelakov, Céline; Bouillot, Jean‐Luc

doi:10.1007/s00268-007-9432-5

Cited by 22 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 31 publications

(38 reference statements)

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“…However, the research mentioned in the introduction conducted by Campbell and Hanson, sums up the motivations of traffickers, including body packers, into five neat and all-encompassing categories as illustrated by Table 1 Desperation is a common motivator with cocaine body packers; women in particular note this as their reason for taking the job. A study on female body packers noted that the women were either in life threatening situations such as being held at gunpoint until they succumbed, or strenuous financial situations where they had dependants [43]. These women were coerced by lovers, affianced relations, forced by criminal organizations linked to the misfortunes of the women's families, or even reached out to by distributors who knew of their financial problems [43].…”

Section: Powdered Temptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A study on female body packers noted that the women were either in life threatening situations such as being held at gunpoint until they succumbed, or strenuous financial situations where they had dependants [43]. These women were coerced by lovers, affianced relations, forced by criminal organizations linked to the misfortunes of the women's families, or even reached out to by distributors who knew of their financial problems [43]. These women would be promised little or no money [43], which backs up Harper's indication that body packing is a diminutive position.…”

Section: Powdered Temptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In some instances younger generations see their older relations involved with cartels and are invested into the business later voluntarily. Others like one woman in Huling's study are threatened by family members to take produce [43]. …”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…'Women in America who had been exploited into drug trafficking were all convicted without mitigating circumstances ' [43]. Many were threatening with harm to themselves, their families or even their townships [43]. But only one woman was acquitted and the other had her case dismissed due to public outcry.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…But only one woman was acquitted and the other had her case dismissed due to public outcry. All and any others received full sentences [43]. This example of ruthlessness from the United States is mirrored in the UK's management of traffickers.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Internal Machinations of Cocaine: The Evolution, Risks, and Sentencing of Body Packers

O'Hagan¹,

Harvey²

2016

FRCIJ

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Body Packers or Drug Mules, as they are often referred to, represent a method of drug trafficking that has gained popularity since the 1970's. It appears to be most popular as a method of transporting powder drugs such as Cocaine and Heroin; as it is a surreptitious method of couriering, there is little mystery as to why the method was developed. This review aims to decipher why there is the necessity for this dangerous and flawed method of trafficking, focusing on cocaine in particular. The paper will review the evolution of cocaine body packing, how legislation and the cartels worked together to force the development of drug mules, and the effect this method of trafficking has on the individuals who become the packers, or 'mules'. A thorough understanding of the development and risks associated with this most dangerous practice, may contribute to the efforts to eradicate this method of cocaine trafficking.Keywords: Cocaine; Trafficking; Body packing; Forced development packaging rupture (which can lead to drug toxicity) ' [4], common with Cocaine body packers. This potential outcome requires customs, and hospitals surrounding both the target airport and the departure airport (for those who decide not to carry the packages); to have procedures in place to deal with drug mules who may already be suffering from the aforementioned condition. In such cases immediate action must be taken to retrieve the packages without damage to the carrier, and deliver them to the authorities. But why are these procedures necessary?A fairly recent development in trafficking, cases of cocaine body packing were first discovered around 1975 [1]. But why has this technique been developed? Cocaine is a Class A substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) 1971 [8]. Under the same act, section three states that "the importation of a controlled drug… is hereby prohibited [9]." Illicit suppliers have been present, in varying degrees, since the introduction of Cocaine to the UK. Once taken out of common place medicines and libations, Cocaine could solely be procured via prescription. It was initially the General Practitioners (GPs) and Psychiatrists of Great Britain that supplied cocaine to the public, after Cocaine was placed on the schedule of the Poisons and Pharmacy Act 1908 [10]. There was flagrant abuse of this system and it is said the "the credit for reintroducing cocaine to the British system must go to a Nigerian addict… in 1954 [10]". 'This man and two others persuaded a GP to stock cocaine for prescription. The Nigerian addict and two others took large prescriptions of the drug and were suspected to have distributed the drug to others [10].' Increased restrictions thereafter were created so that only "specially licensed doctors" [10] could prescribe cocaine. This change coincides with the spike in illicit cocaine trafficking, distribution and supply during the 1970's, a prime example of the evolution of drug trafficking. Much like a hydra in Greek mythology, cutting off one head causes two more to grow, and drug traffic...

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Section: Powdered Temptationmentioning

confidence: 99%