A truck was allegedly seen dumping several dozen cardboard boxes containing packets of the hypertension medication Enalapril Arya in the former Plastic City informal settlement on the evening of September 7.

The dumped boxes contain a combination of expired and valid batches. Recently, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) recalled several batches, specifically the 10mg dose.

A quick inspection revealed many of the dumped boxes were not from the recalled batches.

Freedom Front Plus PR Clr Riaan van Zyl was on the scene and contacted Arya Pharma, the producer of the medication.

The company told the Brakpan Herald it cannot comment on whether the medication was stolen as it is still trying to verify the batch numbers and expiry dates.

“We need to check with our authorised distributors when and where the product was sold. After our investigation we can comment accordingly,” said Janak Bhakta, spokesperson for Arya.

“We have committed to checking the batches and then planning a course of action thereafter. We need to follow a process as this is a regulated industry and we need to dispose of the medication in line with the industry norms. We are assisting to resolve the matter as a priority.

“It is difficult for the company to comment as we do not have details yet of the products. The Enalapril recall process was completed and recalled products were destroyed.”

The recall process is completed in conjunction with SAHPRA and there is a documented process on the regulator’s website.

All pharmaceutical companies have to follow an approved process specified by the regulatory authorities, which Arya followed.

As the medication was dumped in a public, high-traffic area and some of it was expired, the Herald asked what the dangers are to members of the public collecting the medication to use, sell or process into other drugs.

“As per the information received as of writing this response the medication is known as Enalapril and it is utilised to treat high blood pressure.

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“There is no alternative use of the medication, and it cannot be processed into other drugs,” Bhakta explained.

“With respect to any medication, the cartons carry several warnings including ‘Keep out of the reach of children’.

“This medication is classified as a schedule three medication, and can only be prescribed by a doctor. It is an essential medicine supplied by government hospitals and clinics nationally.”

Asked about possible side effects of misuse, Bhakta explained: “The medication works by decreasing your blood pressure.

It stops the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) from creating angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens blood vessels.

“If you happen to take it by mistake or take too much, immediately consult a healthcare professional for further advice.

“With respect to expired medication, the medication loses potency and has a reduced impact in managing blood pressure. Therefore, all medication has an expiry date.”

While the Herald was on site, SAPS members arrived to inspect the scene and determine whether or not it was a criminal matter for the police to attend to.

The EMPD was also referred to the scene, as illegal dumping is a by-law matter that it attends to. The Ekurhuleni Department of Environmental Health in Brakpan also attended the scene and will be conducting its own investigation into the matter.

The Brakpan SAPS, EMPD and Ekurhuleni spokespersons were approached for comment to determine under whose jurisdiction the matter falls.

At the time of publication, all relevant stakeholders were still gathering information. Responses will be published once received.

Meanwhile, assistance was gained to clean up and properly dispose of the dumped medication, which was expected to be completed by the end of the day.