[Body-packer syndrome. Psychotropic drug smuggle in the human body--discussion from the legal and medical viewpoint based on own patients].

Body packing is the term used to describe the smuggling of drugs, usually cocaine or heroin, in special containers introduced within the body. Rupture of the containers leads to acute intoxication that often ends fatally. The possibility of drug poisoning should always be considered by the emergency or hospital physician confronted with an unconscious patient. If representatives of the law suspect anyone of drug smuggling and refer him/her to hospital, a knowledge of the legal position as laid down in particular in paragraph 81a and d of the StPO is of great importance.