Nine people have been arrested following a joint operation on Wednesday (August 12), targeting shops allegedly selling unregulated medicines in Newcastle’s lower CBD.

The operation involved members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

Authorities targeted nine shops suspected of selling unregulated medicines, ranging from Schedule 1 to Schedule 5 substances.

Authorities seize medicines

During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated a range of medicines, including Schedule 5 painkillers, abortion medication, antibiotics, as well as skin creams containing cortisone and steroids.

South African Health Products Regulatory Authority representative Masilo Mopai told the Advertiser that more than R1 million worth of medicine was confiscated from one shop alone.

“These medications are believed to be state-owned medicine and need a doctor’s prescription in order to have access to them,” said Mopai.

He said none of the nine suspects was a registered medical practitioner or authorised to sell scheduled medicines to the public.

“Schedule 3 and above medication may only be distributed to a person with a doctor’s prescription for a number of safety reasons. These guys selling it out of their shops are placing the public in danger, as they do not explain how these meds are to be taken responsibly.”

First court appearances

All nine suspects face charges of contravening sections 14, 22(a) and 22(b) of the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965.

The charges relate to the unauthorised sale of unregistered medicines; the sale or supply of scheduled substances without the required authorisation, prescription or licence; and the possession of high-schedule substances without the necessary permission from the director-general of health.

Mopai urged members of the public to avoid purchasing scheduled medicines from unlicensed sellers.

“We urge the public to only purchase scheduled medications from a registered health professional, such as a doctor or a pharmacy, and not support the illegal trade of unregulated medicines,” he said.

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