Eastern Cape police disrupt transnational crime networks, seizing R2. 2 million in counterfeit goods
Eastern Cape police have disrupted transnational criminal networks involved in the distribution of unlicensed and potentially hazardous goods in Gqeberha, seizing illicit pharmaceuticals and suspected counterfeit goods worth approximately R2.2 million on Wednesday.
The intelligence-driven operation was conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising Border Policing (CDSI Airport), K9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and brand-holder agents.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the team executed searches at a wholesaler in Durban Road and a warehouse on Daisy Road in the area of Korsten.
Gantana said the operation targeted transnational criminal networks involved in the distribution of unlicensed and potentially hazardous goods.
Seized items included 17,430 Viagra pills, 224 Viagra jelly sachets, 2,640 Adcodol tablets, 6,480 Apetito tablets, 3,560 pregnancy test kits, 4,680 skin-whitening creams, 648 Colgate toothbrushes, 1,584 Kiwi Shoe Polish units, and 106 rodent traps.
“The total street value is estimated at R2.2 million,” stated Gantana.
According to police, the operation concluded without injuries, property damage, or arrests.
“Investigations are ongoing to trace supply chains, with the SAPS collaborating with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and brand holders to authenticate the seized goods,” said Gantana.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, said this seizure disrupted criminal enterprises exploiting consumer safety for profit.
“We commend the integrated efforts of our units and private partners. The public must reject unregulated products – your health is not worth the risk,” said Gantana.
The SAPS issued an urgent warning against the public using unregulated pharmaceuticals and health products.
“Items such as erectile dysfunction medications, unregistered analgesics, and whitening creams may contain toxic substances or incorrect dosages, posing severe health risks in violation of the Medicines Act.”
SAHPRA advised the public that products sold in places other than pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and by dispensing doctors must be avoided and reported to them.
The regulatory authority said these products present particular dangers, such as the wrong dose of active ingredients, no active ingredient at all, or they may have a completely different ingredient included.
“Some were found to contain highly toxic substances such as rat poison, and they deprive sick people of treatment, leaving them vulnerable to the disease they are meant to be fighting,” said SAHPRA.
According to the authority, the presence of these products complicates the treatment of some of the world’s most dangerous diseases by contributing to the development of drug-resistant strains.
“Avoid buying medicines online unless you have verified that the facility and personnel providing the products are registered and recorded with the South African Pharmacy Council, Health Professional Council of South Africa, National Department of Health, and SAHPRA,” it said.
Professor David Katerere, who is the research platform chair for pharmaceutical and biotech advancement in Africa (PBA2) at Tshwane University of Technology, said counterfeit medicines should not be confused with generic medicines.
He said generic medicines are cheaper but still scientifically proven to be safe and efficacious versions of patented medicines.
“The term ‘counterfeit medicine’ refers to medicines deliberately and fraudulently falsified or mislabelled. Also called substandard or falsified medicines, they would have failed to pass the quality measurements and standards approved by medicine regulatory authorities,” he said.
karen.singh@inl.co.za
