On-site screening and GC–MS analysis of cocaine and heroin metabolites in body-packers urine

Abstract

The illicit transportation of cocaine and heroin either swallowed or inserted into the rectum and/or vagina of individuals, defined as “body-packers”, is becoming increasingly common. Assessment of smuggling by urinalysis from body-packers has been sparsely reported and on-site rapid screening methods are essentially lacking. We screened the presence of cocaine and heroin metabolites in urine from suspected body-packers by an on-site immunochromatographic test and confirmed the obtained results by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and X-ray examination. Samples were collected from 64 individuals (45 men, 19 women) stopped at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports of Rome (Italy) for suspicion of internal concealment of cocaine and heroin between October 2006 and July 2007. Urine was immediately screened on-site by Cozart ® rapid urine test. Irrespective of test results, individuals underwent X-ray examination and urine samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In 48 out of 64 cases (24 positives and 24 negatives) screening results were confirmed by GC–MS assay and X-ray examination. In 5 cases, positive to the on-site test and GC–MS analysis, abdominal radiography was negative and individuals resulted to be drug users. In 11 cases, negative to the on-site test and radiological investigation, GC–MS analysis found benzoylecgonine in 10 cases and morphine in one case. Concentration of both substances was in all cases lower than 50 ng/ml and compatible with personal drug use. From obtained results, on-site detection of cocaine and heroin metabolites in the urine of suspected body-packers appears to be a reliable screening test to disclose internally concealed drugs and justify subsequent radiological investigations.