Body-cavity concealment of contraband: cooperation between the US Customs Service and the ED

Abstract

The United States Customs Service policies the borders of the country for smuggling of contraband, sometimes accomplished within body cavities. If a person is suspected of body-cavity concealment, the Customs Service may request the assistance of emergency department personnel to determine the presence of material within a body cavity. This usually involves interpretation of radiographs of the abdomen and pelvis, as most of such smuggling is done within the gastrointestinal tract, either by swallowing or placement within the rectum. Additionally, the Customs Service may also request that the physician remove such smuggled material from the vagina or rectum of the suspect. The courts have found these body-cavity searches to be lawful. No successful litigation has yet been brought against either the Customs Service or the medical personnel involved.