Pakistan News: 500 kg human placenta seized, five accused including three Chinese nationals arrested

New Delhi . A shocking case related to alleged trafficking of human organs has come to light from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has claimed that it has recovered about 500 kilograms of human placenta (afterbirth) during the raid. According to investigative agencies, preparations were being made to send this placenta abroad by claiming it to be a sheep’s umbilical cord. A case has been registered against three Chinese citizens and two Pakistani citizens and they have been detained.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the accused used to collect human placenta from hospitals and declare it as animal product so that it could be smuggled internationally. Officials say all the seized samples have been sent to the hospital for scientific examination to confirm that the recovered material is indeed human placenta.

According to investigating agencies, this is believed to be the first major case of its kind in Pakistan. It is alleged that the members of this network used to buy each placenta from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi at a very low price and later planned to earn huge profits by sending it abroad. Considering the seriousness of the case, all the accused were presented in the court from where they were sent on remand for questioning.

What is placenta?

Placenta is a temporary organ formed during pregnancy which works to provide nutrition and oxygen between the mother and the baby in the womb. It remains connected to the fetus through the umbilical cord and plays an important role in the development of the child. After delivery, its need ends and it passes out of the body.

What is the placenta used for?

Placenta is used in medical research and some special treatments in many countries of the world. The tissues obtained from it are used in severe burns, deep wounds, ulcers and some eye surgeries. In some research, studies are also ongoing on the possible therapeutic uses of biological elements obtained from the placenta. However, strict legal and ethical regulations are in place in most countries for its collection, preservation and use.

In some countries the placenta is also used for other purposes based on traditional beliefs, but such uses are not universally accepted scientifically. Experts say that any kind of trade or export of human biological tissues should be done only under the relevant laws and medical standards.

At present, Pakistan’s investigative agencies are busy connecting the links of this entire network. It is also being ascertained which country was the final destination of the alleged trafficking and which people or institutions may have played a role in it. If the allegations are proved, this case could be included in the biggest cases of illegal trafficking of human biological material.