Pakistan investigates human placenta trafficking for anti-ageing injections

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into a syndicate accused of trafficking human placentas abroad for use in anti-ageing injections. Investigators believe an international network is active behind the operation.

Last week, FIA raided a house in Islamabad and recovered approximately 500 kg of suspected human placentas. Officials claimed the house was being used as an illegal centre for storing and processing placentas. Five people were arrested in connection with the incident.

A few days later, a shipment of approximately 100 kg of human tissue bound for Vietnam was seized from Islamabad International Airport. Authorities suspect it was also human placenta.

Pakistan's Human Organ Transplant Authority official Hina Kanwal said the syndicate collected each placenta from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for about 800 Pakistani rupees. They were then dried, processed and sent abroad. According to FIA, an anti-ageing injection made from these ingredients has a market value of approximately 700,000 Pakistani rupees.

Investigations revealed the syndicate's operations were not limited to Islamabad; they had networks in Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi. The possible involvement of hospitals, medical waste management facilities and immigration officials is also being examined.

During initial interrogation, the arrested individuals claimed they were collecting sheep placentas, but later admitted they were human.

Gynaecologist Sadaf Tariq said placentas are considered highly infectious medical waste. After delivery, they must be destroyed according to prescribed regulations, and this can only be done by government-authorised institutions.

Under Pakistani law, the collection and trafficking of human organs or related tissues for commercial purposes carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of up to 1,000,000 Pakistani rupees.

An FIA official said while previous operations had been conducted against illegal organ transplants, this is the first time an international syndicate involved in human placenta trafficking has been uncovered.