Pakistan probes human placenta smuggling for anti-aging injections

Pakistani authorities are investigating an alleged international syndicate involved in smuggling human placentas from hospitals for use in anti-aging injections. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) uncovered an illegal processing facility in Islamabad during a raid, seizing approximately 500 kilograms of suspected human placenta and arresting five individuals.

The group reportedly purchased about 200 kilograms of human placenta monthly from hospitals. Investigators found trays of dried placental tissue stored in a residential property converted into a processing and storage facility. In a separate operation, officials intercepted another 100-kilogram shipment destined for Vietnam at Islamabad International Airport.

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the group allegedly purchased about 200 kilograms of human placenta every month from hospitals before drying, processing and exporting the tissue overseas.

Suspects allegedly bought placentas from hospitals for around 800 Pakistani rupees ($2.90) each. The processed tissue was reportedly intended for anti-aging injections, with each injection selling for as much as 700,000 rupees ($2,530). The FIA believes the network operated in major cities beyond the capital and is examining potential involvement of immigration officials, waste management companies, and hospital staff.

Initially claiming to process sheep placentas, the suspects later admitted the tissue was human. An FIA official noted this is the first investigation into an organized international network trafficking human placenta, though the agency has handled illegal organ transplantation cases previously. Under Pakistani law, harvesting human organs for commercial purposes can lead to 10 years in prison and fines. Medical experts emphasize that human placenta is infectious medical waste requiring strict disposal regulations.

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this is the first investigation involving what authorities describe as an organised international network trafficking human placenta.