A police investigation in Pretoria revealed a drug syndicate selling dangerous performance-enhancing substances.
Image: SAPS
Two men and two women arrested for allegedly running an online syndicate where they sold steroids, fat-burners, and other scheduled drugs appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Thursday following their arrest on Tuesday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana said Norman Brits, 54, Henry Crail, 32, Mona-Lize Grobler, 49, and Cailin de Bruin, 28, are alleged to have engaged in transactions of scheduled drugs since 2021.
Mahanjana said that an extensive police investigation, which included forensic laboratory analysis, uncovered significant evidence of the operation's illicit activities, revealing that the products sold by the syndicate contained harmful and prohibited substances.
“A police investigation, supported by forensic laboratory analysis, revealed that the products contained prohibited substances. Brits, Crail, and Grobler were arrested on February 11, 2025, at their residences in and around Pretoria. De Bruin was arrested a day later, on February 12,” she said.
Among these substances is a product marketed as a "fat burner" which has been linked to health risks due to its composition, including Dimethylphenethylamine, a chemical compound described as an isomer of methamphetamine, often referred to as crystal meth or Tik.
Amanda van Wyk, spokesperson for the Gauteng police, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating that the police's diligent efforts are aimed at dismantling such dangerous operations that pose significant risks to public health.
Mahanjana said that the matter has been postponed until February 20, 2025, for the presentation of bail information.
She added that additional charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
In another similar case, the Western Cape police arrested a 27-year-old suspect after discovering an illegal laboratory manufacturing steroids in Paarl
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 Franschhoek 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.
He added that police finally identified the premises and found them fully operational.
"A search and seizure operation were 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 Magistrate's Court soon.
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