The case involving the recovery of a huge quantity of human placenta from posh sectors of Islamabad has taken a shocking turn, as investigators revealed the medical waste was allegedly being used in expensive anti-ageing injections.
It has been learned that the placenta, which develops during pregnancy and helps supply nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and is regarded as medical waste, is used as a source for expensive anti-ageing injections. These injections are sold in Pakistan for nearly Rs700,000.
In several countries like Japan, South Korea, and different parts of Thailand, human placenta is used to form medicines which can be helpful in treating fatigue, and for the liver treatment, the US-based organisation National Centre for Biotechnology Information reported.
However, in Pakistan, using processed Human Placenta for anti-ageing injections or illegal medication is prohibited.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on June 26 arrested three Chinese nationals and two Pakistanis from Islamabad and recovered 580 kilograms of human placentas from the F7/1 area of Islamabad.
These individuals were involved in human placenta smuggling and are part of a network that operates in Islamabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, according to journalist Qamar Munawar, who is familiar with the case, as told to Pakistan Connect.
According to the FIA, the Islamabad police and law enforcement agencies will arrest the other members of this active smuggler network in four cities, including Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Rawalpindi.
During the investigation, officials intercepted a 100-kilogram shipment of placenta that was allegedly being sent to Vietnam. Investigators are now examining how the material was collected and exported.
Sources added that around 200 kilograms of placenta were allegedly collected every month from different hospitals.
The FIA has shortlisted nearly 200 hospitals in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar to gather records and further evidence. Officials say the scope of the investigation is being expanded to identify everyone linked to the network.
Meanwhile, the FIA presented five arrested suspects before a court and obtained a one-day extension in their physical remand.
Also Read, Human placentas recovered from Islamabad’s posh areas in illegal smuggling operation
