Maria Full Of Grace Cocaine Analysis

The human body is a very unique structure and is extremely versatile, as well as multi- functional. It can run, walk, and digest; on some occasions even be used bring illegal drugs into the United States. A similar story appears in the film Maria Full of Grace by director Joshua Marston starring a young woman from Columbia who gets involved in the drug trafficking industry after losing her job at a rose factory. Desperate and in need for money to support her mother, sister, nephew, and a baby of her own, she does not hesitate at the chance of easy money. On average, a drug mule or a person who transports illegal drugs via ingestion or concealing them on their person makes about $3000 to $5000 per trip. Though the risks are high, the payoff

In the 1860’s, a German chemist of the name Albert Niemann isolated the drug cocaine and by the 1880s it was used in “eye, nose, and throat surgeries as an anesthetic and to constrict blood vessels and limit bleeding...As cocaine’s popularity increased in the 1880s and 1890s, reports of addiction emerged, and the potential harm from the drug was soon recognized.” (“Cocaine Overview : Origin and History,” 2013). Once the addiction was noticed, the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914 emerged and made the importation of coca plants and cocaine prohibited. Just like that, the drug was illegal and drug smuggling surfaced. Today, drugs are transported in a variety of unique ways from cars, cadavers, dogs, and more. The main leaders of the drug cartels that obtain and transport the contraband are often men, but women have participated ever since the 1920’s as small time mules and today continue to do the same. Though men and women don’t necessarily share the same playing field, that doesn’t mean that people of different races cannot. It is a common misconception that drug trafficking is done solely by Mexicans, but according to NBC news, “Government officials say the majority of drug mules are Mexican, but experts say there are plenty of U.S. citizens involved too…”. Caleb Mason, a former federal prosecutor and law professor who consults on drug-smuggling cases, said an analysis

Referring back to the film Maria Full of Grace, the young woman featured had to swallow small packages of drugs. In other cases, drugs are found taped onto a person's thighs, chest, and/ or underarms. Keep in mind, these packages aren't light and people must remain as natural looking and inconspicuous as they can. One awkward move and a piece of clothing may reveal the uneven distorted shape of a thigh or leg. Customs and Border Protection Officer Carlos Fuentes also stated that, “People carrying drugs are often discovered because of their nervousness and sometimes because of their posture.” A common nickname that law enforcement have for the drug smugglers are ‘mummies’ because they have so many objects and various physical contents taped and strapped on to their bodies. Both males and females vary in the methods of crossing drugs for instance females who cross drugs often have the contraband taped to their breast area, stomach, or groin area. As for the males, they have drugs placed on their calf , in the soles of their shoes, and/or on their waist. In addition to their own bodies drug cartels also use their friends and family (even children) to bring the drugs past the border and often put them in a dangerous position, frequently facing harmful situations or the chance to be caught by law enforcement. Many tools include their own body, weapons, uses of transportation, and