iPharma and EU Pharma bust

Media Statement - South African Police Service (SAPS)

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has uncovered a drug syndicate selling steroids, scheduled medicine, stimulants and other performance enhancing drugs (PED's) online, leading to the arrest of six suspects, three men and three women.

These suspects were arrested at various locations in Pretoria.

They face multiple charges related to the contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Medicines and Related Substances Act, and the Counterfeit Goods Act.

The takedown operation took place on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, following extensive investigations by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) Narcotics Unit, supported by the SAPS' Transnational Vehicle Crime Investigation (VCI) Unit, Gauteng Provincial Narcotics Unit, Crime Intelligence, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport, and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

The suspects were reportedly operating an online website to trade and distribute counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, scheduled medicines, steroids, and stimulants.

Investigations, that included a forensic analysis, revealed that these products contain prohibited substances. One of the products sold online as a "fat burner" contains Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or Tik).

During the arrests, the team seized a substantial quantity of counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, steroids, scheduled medicine, and stimulants as well as electronic devices.

The suspects are expected to appear before a magistrate's court later this week as investigations continue.

www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=58895

oh, that's pretty rough!

Any idea which site this was?

Waskha wrote:

Any idea which site this was?

Weren't they selling on Takealot and social media platforms? Perhaps that’s the online sales being referred to.

Probably Instagram and Facebook too.

Heard there was another bust today too, but might be heresay, so will wait for news outlets to confirm

Empire wrote:

Heard there was another bust today too, but might be heresay, so will wait for news outlets to confirm

EU Pharmaceuticals

So the Paarl bust was EU Pharma. When it rains it pours. Took them 2 years to find the lab after the first tip off.

This was last year in November. 6 of the big websites online under investigation. (Removed links) . Started because of the semaglutide sales online.

*OFFICIAL WARNING: HAWKS AND SAPS INVESTIGATION*

The HAWKS, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), hereby issue a formal warninh regarding (removed website links) and all associated domain sites operating under these branches. These platforms are currently under active investigation for the sale of illegal substances and black-market products.

NOTICE TO PURCHASERS:
• Any individual found purchasing illegal substances or black-market products from these sites will have their contact information retained and utilized as evidence in the investigation.
• Purchasers will face charges for possession of illegal substances, while those making large-scale purchases will be charged with possession with intent to distribute.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION:
Members of the public with knowledge of activities related to the website or its affiliated businesses are strongly encouraged to come forward and assist in the investigation.

This is a serious matter, and non-compliance with South African law will result in prosecution.

Report any suspicious activity to 0860010111

confirmed from reliable source iPharma is no more after this bust. kaput.

How would you know if your current supplier site is safe to order from?

Ysterballas wrote:

How would you know if your current supplier site is safe to order from?

Good question! When it comes to online suppliers, you want one that operates discreetly, stays under the radar, and doesn’t draw unnecessary attention. Think of a supplier who avoids advertising on Google or social media and doesn’t openly discuss their dealings on these platforms. They should also avoid using public messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram for client communications, as these apps have access to message and recipient metadata.

Look for a supplier that takes customer privacy seriously. That means no tracking your browsing habits through Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or Amazon cookies. These tools can record, expose, or leak sensitive customer data, compromising privacy and potentially leading to consequences like legal issues, social stigma, or job-related complications.

Suppliers who rely on third-party services risk exposing customer data, as they have little to no control over how it's handled. On the other hand, suppliers that self-host their websites and systems have greater control over your data. They can encrypt sensitive information, use secure communication protocols like PGP or SMIME for email, and better protect client interactions.

Looks like the iPharma guys got busted a second time:

www.algoafm.co.za/domestic/another-big-steroid-haul-in-pretoria