[Smuggling of the cocaine in the gastrointestinal tract ended in sudden death--the first case report from the Upper Silesia]

Wiad Lek. 2011;64(2):109-12.
[Article in Polish]

Abstract

Fifty-year old man was found dead in the bathroom of his apartment. Forensic autopsy was ordered to determine the cause and manner of death. Autopsy revealed the presence of 55 latex "balls" in the stomach and foregut. In the past the victim was suspected of drug's dealing and smuggling. The content of "balls" and biological material (blood, urine, bloody fluid from internal organs) were analysed with LC MS/MS in the Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The range of cocaine' concentration in the "balls" was 91.2-96.1%, whereas concentration in blood - 107.50 microg/ml, in urine - 284.60 microg/ml and in bloody fluid - 192.30 microg/ml. The cause of death was acute cocaine intoxication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Autopsy
  • Cause of Death
  • Cocaine / analysis*
  • Cocaine / blood
  • Cocaine / poisoning*
  • Crime
  • Death, Sudden / etiology*
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / pathology*
  • Gastrointestinal Tract*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Poland
  • Stomach
  • Substance Abuse Detection*

Substances

  • Cocaine