S. Korea customs security finds 'human flesh capsules'

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SEOUL, May 7 (UPI) -- South Korean authorities have increased customs inspections to stop the smuggling of pills allegedly made from human fetuses, officials said Monday.

The importing of so-called "human flesh capsules" into South Korea from China was first noticed in August, Yonhap news agency reported.

Since then, customs authorities have uncovered 35 attempts to bring in human flesh pills, totaling 17,451 capsules, in travelers' luggage or by mail, a statement from the South Korean Customs service said.

The pills, which could cause serious health risks, are believed to help replenish blood supply, improve circulation and enhance sexual performance.

The statement said South Korean customs officials will strengthen inspections of drugs arriving from China, especially the northern cities of Yanji, Jilin, Qingdao and Tianjin, to stop the importation of the pills into South Korea.

A documentary aired last year by South Korea's SBS television network accused Chinese pharmaceutical companies of collaborating with abortion clinics to make pills, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The documentary alleged DNA tests found the pills were made from powdered human remains.