The South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested six suspects, three men and three women across various locations in Pretoria on Tuesday, for running a drug syndicate selling steroids, scheduled medicine, stimulants and other performance enhancing drugs (PED’s) online.
They face multiple charges related to the contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Medicines and Related Substances Act, and the Counterfeit Goods Act.
On February 11, 2025, a coordinated takedown operation was carried out by a collaborative effort of law enforcement agencies, led by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) Narcotics Unit. The operation was the culmination of thorough investigations supported by multiple units and agencies, including SAPS specialized units and external partners such as SAHPRA and the Financial Intelligence Centre.
The suspects were allegedly running an online platform to trade and distribute fake and illegal performance-enhancing drugs, regulated medications, steroids, and stimulants.
Forensic analysis revealed that certain products, including an online “fat burner” supplement, contained banned substances. Notably, the “fat burner” product was found to contain Dimethylphenethylamine, a compound like methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or Tik.
Law enforcement officials confiscated a large quantity of illicit substances, including counterfeit performance-enhancing drugs, steroids, and stimulants, along with electronic devices, during the arrests.
The suspects will appear in the magistrate’s court later this week as the investigation progresses.
