Police arrest one in Paarl after uncovering illegal steroid manufacturing lab

A 27-year-old suspect was arrested after police discovered an illegal laboratory manufacturing steroids in Paarl, Western Cape.

The discovery was made on Wednesday by the Hawks' South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) working together with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).

Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the arrest stems from a tip-off received in January 2023 regarding steroids that were couriered from Franschoek and distributed to local recipients.

"The parcels were intercepted and sent to the laboratory for testing of which the report came back positive. Two suspects were identified, and further investigation was conducted," said Vukubi.

Vukubi said police finally identified the premises and found them fully operational.

"A search and seizure operation was authorised and conducted. During the search, pressing, sorting, and labelling machines, scales, and ovens were discovered. Moreover, powder and suspected Schedule 4 medicines were also discovered. The value of the steroids is yet to be determined,'' he added.

The suspect is expected appear at the Paarl Magistrates Court soon.

Vukubi said more arrests are imminent.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, a number of suspects were arrested in Pretoria, Gauteng after police uncovered a drug syndicate selling illicit steroids.

National police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said it has been uncovered that Scheduled medicine, stimulants and other performance enhancing drugs (PED's) were being sold to consumers online. 

"A number of suspects have been apprehended at various locations in Pretoria."

Van Wyk said: "Investigations, that included a forensic analysis, revealed that one of the products sold online as a "fat burner" contained Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or Tik)," she said.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL