Man in court after police seize R300,000 medicines from his home

Man in court after police seize R300,000 medicines from his home! A 33-year-old man will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo on Monday following his arrest for possession of unregistered steroids and other medicines.

The arrest was made on Friday morning in Bendor, Polokwane, by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Details of the Arrest

Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrest stemmed from a tip-off about a man allegedly selling steroids in the Bendor area.

“The suspect, residing at Blue Heaven Estate, allegedly sourced the steroids online for distribution. A search warrant was executed at his residence, where various unregistered tablets, syringes, and liquid substances were recovered from his garage,” Ledwaba explained.

The recovered items were identified as unregistered Schedule 4 and Schedule 5 drugs. These substances, according to South African law, can only be prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner with a valid prescription.

The man was arrested for contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Act.

Seized Items Valued at R300,000

The estimated value of the seized drugs is approximately R300,000. The confiscated items include various types of steroids and medical substances typically used for unregulated or non-medical purposes.

Officials from the Department of Health assisted SAPS at the scene, providing expertise and support in identifying the unregistered drugs and aiding the investigation.

Welcomed by Law Enforcement

Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the successful operation and commended the collaborative efforts between SAPS and other agencies involved.

“This arrest reflects the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in combating illegal activities and protecting public health. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that such violations of the law are addressed promptly,” Hadebe said.

A Widening Problem

This is not the first time South African authorities have dealt with illegal possession and distribution of controlled substances. In a similar incident in June, police in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), arrested two foreign nationals in White River.

The arrests were made following reports of a Nigerian national allegedly dealing in drugs and practicing as an illegal optometrist in the area. The suspects were charged with contravening both the Medicine and Related Substances Act and the Immigration Act.

The Impact of Illegal Steroids

The distribution and use of unregistered steroids and related substances can have severe consequences, both legally and health-wise. Schedule 4 and Schedule 5 drugs often include substances with a high potential for misuse and dependency, requiring strict regulation.

Unregistered steroids can pose significant health risks, including hormonal imbalances, organ damage, and psychological effects. They are often sold and consumed without proper medical guidance, endangering users.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Drug Distribution

Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and crack down on illegal drug distribution networks across the country. Operations like the one in Polokwane highlight the importance of community involvement in reporting suspicious activities.

“Residents play a crucial role in helping authorities by reporting any suspicious behavior or illegal activities. Together, we can create a safer environment for all,” added Colonel Ledwaba.

Court Appearance Scheduled

The arrested man is expected to face charges under the Medicines and Related Substances Act in court on Monday. This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat them.

Authorities hope this arrest will deter others from similar activities and reinforce the importance of adhering to South Africa’s strict drug laws.

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Innocent “Inno” Morolong, a controversial blogger and reality TV personality, was found guilty of crimen injuria and defamation by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The case stemmed from a heated public dispute with fellow media personality Tebogo Thobejane, which escalated into allegations of character assassination and public humiliation. Read More

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