A 27-year-old man was arrested after police uncovered an illegal steroid manufacturing lab in Paarl, Western Cape. The discovery came during a raid conducted by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), in collaboration with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). The arrest follows a tip-off from January 2023 regarding steroids being sent from Franschhoek and distributed locally.
Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi explained that the tip-off led to the interception of parcels, which were tested and confirmed to contain steroids. Further investigation identified two suspects, eventually revealing a full steroid manufacturing operation in Paarl. The police obtained a search warrant, leading to the seizure of pressing machines, scales, ovens, and powdered substances, believed to be illegal steroids.
While the exact value of the seized steroids has yet to be determined, the arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court soon. Vukubi also hinted that additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues. This successful operation marks a significant blow to the illegal steroid trade in the region.
In a related case, national police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed the arrest of several individuals involved in the online sale of illegal performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). A forensic investigation revealed that one of the products sold online as a “fat burner” contained dimethylphenethylamine, a substance chemically similar to methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or Tik.
