Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court to Hear Case of Illegal Schedule 5 Drug Sales
A pharmacist in Vanderbijlpark has been arrested on charges of selling Schedule 5 medications without proper authorization. Local authorities, along with regulatory bodies, swooped in on the establishment after receiving intelligence regarding the illicit activities taking place.
“On Friday, 01 March 2024, the police in Vanderbijlpark in the Gauteng province together with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) operationalised information about a local pharmacy that is unlawfully selling cough mixtures to young people in bulks,” said Police Spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
During the operation, police apprehended a man exiting the pharmacy who was found in possession of suspicious quantities of medication. “While observing the pharmacy, one man was stopped coming from inside the pharmacy and his bag was searched. Police found two boxes of Astra Pain syrup which had 20 units per box,” Nevhuhulwi explained.
A subsequent search of the pharmacy premises and a compliance inspection led to the arrest of the pharmacist who is accused of failing to maintain appropriate records for Schedule 5 substances.
“The suspect is expected to appear before Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 04 March 2024,” confirmed Nevhuhulwi.
Schedule 5 medications are potent pharmaceuticals that require close supervision by medical professionals and strict control due to their potential for abuse and dependency. Such medications are prescribed for serious medical conditions and typically include strong painkillers and certain narcotic preparations. The illicit sale of these drugs not only violates pharmaceutical regulations but also poses significant risks to public health and safety.
