Pakistan Investigates Smuggling of Human Placentas for Cosmetic Injections.

Authorities in Pakistan are investigating a large organized criminal group suspected of illegally purchasing, processing and smuggling large quantities of human placentas from local hospitals.

According to an official investigation cited by the BBC, the biological material was intended for the production of extremely expensive injections abroad, used in cosmetic anti-ageing medicine.

According to Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency, the network purchased about 200 kilograms of placentas each month from various medical facilities. Investigators say the detainees bought the placentas from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for about 800 Pakistani rupees each. The scheme relied on corruption in maternity wards in the two cities.

Investigators claim the biological material was intended for the production of expensive anti-ageing injections. One of the shipments was addressed to a destination in Vietnam.

During a special operation in a residential building in Islamabad, authorities found half a tonne, or about 500 kg, of suspected human placentas. In a separate subsequent operation, investigators prevented an attempt to illegally export another 100 kilograms of dried placenta through the capital’s international airport.

The premises had been converted into an improvised laboratory with special trays and carts for drying the biological material.