The Federal Investigation Agency has uncovered major revelations in an alleged human placenta trade network, with investigators claiming placenta discarded after childbirth was being used to make anti-aging injections worth millions of rupees.
According to FIA sources, human placenta, usually disposed of as medical waste, was allegedly being collected and sent abroad for the production of anti-aging injections.
The price of one anti-aging injection made from human placenta is said to be up to Rs700,000 in the Pakistani market. Investigators have identified alleged agents linked to the network in Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi.
Shipment to Vietnam stopped
During the investigation, authorities stopped a shipment of human placenta that was reportedly being sent to Vietnam.
According to sources, one shipment contained around 100 kilogrammes of placenta, while the investigation officer later told the court that a consignment containing 30 cartons was stopped at the airport and weighed around 580 kilogrammes.
The FIA is also examining the possible role of customs officials and waste management companies in the alleged network.
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Sources said nearly 200 kilogrammes of placenta were allegedly collected every month from different hospitals. The FIA has shortlisted around 200 hospitals in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar to obtain further evidence and records.
The agency said the scope of the investigation is being expanded and all roles connected to the network are being identified.
If the allegations are proven, strict action will be taken under laws related to human organs, medical waste and smuggling.
Five accused remanded for one day
In Islamabad, a judicial magistrate extended the physical remand of five accused involved in the alleged illegal purchase and sale of human placenta by one day.
The accused were produced before Judicial Magistrate Ahmed Shehzad Gondal in the District and Sessions Courts.
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The FIA had requested seven days of physical remand, saying further custody was necessary for investigation. The court ordered that the accused be presented again after the completion of their physical remand.
PIMS explains placenta disposal process
The administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, said 60 to 70 babies are born at the hospital every day and the placenta is disposed of through a modern and environmentally friendly process.
PIMS Deputy Executive Director Dr Aniza Jalil told Samaa TV that placenta waste is collected daily and weighed at every stage from collection to disposal. She said the entire process is closely monitored and a complete record is maintained.
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Dr Jalil said any increase or decrease in weight may involve relevant staff, which is why the process is strictly checked. She added that complete CCTV monitoring is carried out to track who enters and exits the relevant areas.
Organic disposal not feasible, says PIMS
Dr Jalil said placenta can also be disposed of organically by burying it in the ground. However, she said this method is not possible at PIMS with the available resources.
She added that after burying medical waste, protecting it from animals and birds becomes a serious challenge.
