Polokwane, South Africa | A 33-year-old man is set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday after his arrest for possession of unregistered steroids and other medical substances worth an estimated R300,000.
The arrest occurred on Friday morning in Bendor, Polokwane, during an operation led by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that the operation was initiated following a tip-off about a man allegedly distributing steroids in the Bendor area.
“The suspect, residing at Blue Heaven Estate, was reportedly sourcing the steroids online for resale.
Acting on this information, officers executed a search warrant at his home, where they uncovered a variety of unregistered tablets, syringes, and liquid substances stored in his garage,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
The seized items included unregistered Schedule 4 and Schedule 5 drugs, which, under South African law, can only be distributed or prescribed by licensed medical professionals.
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The man now faces charges for violating the Medicines and Related Substances Act. Schedule 4 and 5 drugs are tightly regulated due to their potential for abuse and dependency.
Their illegal distribution poses serious public health risks, including hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and psychological side effects.
The Department of Health provided assistance during the operation, helping to identify the unregistered drugs and support the investigation. Limpopo’s provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the team’s work.
“This arrest highlights the success of coordinated efforts in combating illegal activities that endanger public health. We remain committed to addressing such violations and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said Hadebe.
The arrest in Polokwane is the latest in a series of crackdowns on the illegal distribution of controlled substances in South Africa. In a similar case in June, police in Mpumalanga arrested two foreign nationals for dealing in drugs and practicing as an illegal optometrist.
That operation involved cooperation between SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
The illegal trade of unregistered steroids and medicines often involves substances that can have severe health consequences. Without proper medical oversight, these drugs can cause irreversible damage, underscoring the need for strict enforcement of South Africa’s drug laws.
Authorities continue to urge the public to report suspicious activity to aid law enforcement in tackling such crimes. “Residents play an essential role in helping authorities by reporting illegal activities.
Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
The suspect’s court appearance on Monday will bring further attention to the legal and public health risks associated with unregistered medical substances.
Law enforcement hopes this case will serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar activities while reinforcing the importance of community collaboration in combating crime.