The TMPD arrested a woman in the CBD on March 23 for being in possession of 30 bottles of prohibited medication.

“While conducting routine patrol duties, TMPD members noticed a suspicious person at the intersection of Bosman and Paul Kruger streets in Pretoria CBD and initiated a search. The search revealed 30 bottles of Astra pain syrup. The suspect was immediately arrested and detained at a local police station,” the TMPD stated in a social media post.

South African law regarding pain medicine bottles is governed primarily by the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965 and regulations managed by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

These laws dictate how medicines are scheduled, labelled, packaged, and dispensed to ensure safety, particularly regarding child safety and substance control.

While individuals are permitted to purchase small doses of codeine-based medications, bulk purchases are reserved for pharmacies and practitioners.

Under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, being found in possession of many bottles of pain syrup (such as Astra, Stopayne, or other codeine-based mixtures) without a valid, specific prescription is considered a serious criminal offence.

The team were commended for their rapid response.

ALSO READ: School budget cuts no joke, Pretoria parents sign petition

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel