SA Police Bust Online Drug Syndicate, Arrest Six

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has dismantled an online drug syndicate, arresting six suspects linked to the sale of illegal steroids, stimulants, and counterfeit medicines. Three men and three women were taken into custody in Pretoria.

The suspects face multiple charges under the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, the Medicines and Related Substances Act, and the Counterfeit Goods Act.

The arrests followed a takedown operation on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, after an investigation by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) Narcotics Unit. The operation was carried out with support from the SAPS Transnational Vehicle Crime Investigation (VCI) Unit, Gauteng Provincial Narcotics Unit, Crime Intelligence, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

Investigators discovered that the group ran an online platform selling counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, scheduled medicines, and banned stimulants. Forensic analysis found that one product, marketed as a “fat burner,” contained Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or Tik.

Authorities seized large quantities of illegal drugs, including steroids, scheduled medicines, stimulants, and electronic devices used in the operation.

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