Agony of the ecstasy: Report of five cases of MDMA smuggling

  1. VHS Low,
  2. EK Dillon

Article first published online: 14 SEP 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.2005.01503.x

Issue

Australasian Radiology

Australasian Radiology

Volume 49, Issue 5, pages 400–403, October 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Low, V. and Dillon, E. (2005), Agony of the ecstasy: Report of five cases of MDMA smuggling. Australasian Radiology, 49: 400–403. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.2005.01503.x

Author Information

  1. Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

*Vincent HS Low, Department of Radiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia. Email: Vincent.Low@health.wa.gov.au

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 14 SEP 2005
  2. Article first published online: 14 SEP 2005
  3. Submitted 20 October 2003; resubmitted 3 November 2004; accepted 3 March 2005.

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Keywords:

  • abdomen;
  • foreign body;
  • gastrointestinal tract;
  • radiography

Summary

The international smuggling of illicit drugs by the ingestion or rectal insertion of drug-filled packages is recognized in the trafficking of heroin and cocaine. Customs authorities, with suspicion of such activities, presented five subjects. The legally allowed radiological examination comprising one supine abdominal radiograph was performed. Radiographic findings demonstrated the presence of multiple enteric oval, capsule-shaped packages of soft tissue density. This was confirmed following supervised evacuation of bowel contents induced by the administration of laxatives. Analysis of the concealed material identified ecstasy (methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)), a substance not previously reported as transported by this route.

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