KEY POINTS
- Police seized R15 million worth of steroids and PEDs in Pretoria.
- A storage facility was allegedly used as a drug syndicate hub.
- Authorities believe the network operated an online drug trade.
During a raid at a self-storage facility in Derdepoort, detectives from the National Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit of the South African Police Service found a significant amount of steroids, performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), and prescription medication.
Police uncover massive steroid and PED bust in Pretoria
Substances valued at an estimated R15 million on the black market were seized as a result of the Wednesday operation. The takedown comes after six suspects were arrested on February 11, 2025, as a result of a recent breakthrough in an ongoing investigation into a narcotics network.
Since then, two of the suspects have had their charges against them conditionally dropped. The syndicate is still being investigated, according to the police, and further arrests and court cases are anticipated.
R15 million worth of illegal steroids and medicine seized
According to The South African, law enforcement sources claim that officers found a sizable cache of illegal drugs at the storage facility after conducting follow-up investigations into the syndicate’s activities. Allegedly, the establishment served as a distribution center for the illicit trade.
According to preliminary findings, the syndicate was selling and distributing steroids, stimulants, scheduled medications, and other banned narcotics using an online platform. The network, according to authorities, served both domestic and foreign customers.
Investigations to ascertain the entire scope of the operation and find more people who might be involved are still underway, according to police confirmation. In South Africa, law enforcement organizations are still dedicated to breaking up drug syndicates and stopping the illicit trafficking of controlled narcotics.
