Hawks swoop on illegal pharmacy in Galeshewe, R160k cash and drugs seized

AN ILLEGAL pharmacy operating from a residential property in Galeshewe was shut down after the police uncovered a stockpile of prescription medicine, cash, and dagga worth a combined quarter of a million rand.

The bust unfolded on October 11, when the Kimberley Public Order Police followed up on information about suspicious activities in the area. Upon arrival, officers were met with shelves lined with bottles and tablets — an illicit operation masquerading as a pharmacy. The scene prompted them to call in the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (Hawks) Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.

According to Hawks Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Tebogo Thebe, investigators discovered an extensive consignment of medication that included 114 bottles of Painogon syrup, 100 bottles of Stilpaine syrup, 100 bottles of Broncleer syrup, 30 bottles of Lenazine Forte syrup, and 431 Mylon tablets. The seized stock, which was reportedly sold for R60 a bottle, was accompanied by nearly R160,000 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal sales.

While inspecting the property, officers detected a strong smell of dagga coming from another room in the same yard. A further search led to the discovery of several black plastic bags filled with high-grade cannabis with an estimated street value of about R90,000. The dagga was seized for further investigation.

The police arrested a couple, both 34-year-old Zimbabwean nationals, who were allegedly running the illegal pharmacy without any formal qualifications or licences, in contravention of sections of the Medicines and Related Substances Control Act.

The pair are expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 13, to face charges relating to the illegal sale and possession of medicine and contraband.

The team could not link the dagga to anyone, as no one was found in the room. Investigation on linkage is continuing.