This practice is known as body packing. People may swallow or insert packages containing illicit drugs to evade customs inspections. Medical imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT), can help identify packages inside the stomach or intestines. The number of packets and the amount of drug involved can vary considerably. The major danger is that a packet may rupture or leak, releasing a large quantity of cocaine into the body. Cocaine toxicity can cause severe agitation, dangerously high body temperature, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks and death. Intestinal obstruction is another possible complication. Suspected body packers require urgent medical evaluation. Management depends on their symptoms and the condition of the packets.   submitted by   /u/rashamey_   to   r/WeirdThingsToLearn [link]   [comments]