S. Korea Cracking Down on Powdered Baby Pills

SEOUL — Customs officials in South Korea say that they will be stepping up inspections after finding nearly 17,500 capsules containing powdered human flesh since last August.

According to a report from the BBC, the capsules, which come from northeast China, are filled with powdered flesh from dead babies and fetuses, and is thought by some in the region to cure disease and boost stamina.

Officials say that the capsules are also full of bacteria and are a public health risk.

“It was confirmed those capsules contain materials harmful to the human body, such as super bacteria. We need to take tougher measures to protect public health,” an official told the Korea Times.

The BBC reports that the capsules were dyed or switched into boxes of other drugs to try and disguise them.

Chinese officials say that they are investigating the claims.

Click here for more on this report from the BBC.