GQEBERHA - While some drugs are illegal to possess, government does regulate the manufacturing, distribution, marketing, sale, and use of certain drugs through a prescription classification. Schedule 5 medication can only be issued if a doctor has prescribed them; otherwise, possession or sale of the drug is an offence under the Medicines Control Act.

On Wednesday, 13 April 2022, SAPS Mount Road Crime Prevention members arrested a 40-year-old suspect for possession of Stilpane and Purata tablets. At about 10:20, members were patrolling in Gradwell Street in Parsons Hill when they spotted a stationary white Citi Golf with two male occupants seated inside the vehicle. The members monitored the vehicle and as they drove back into the street, they noticed a red BMW driving slowly towards the VW Golf. Intuition alerted the members to react and the BMW was stopped.

On searching the vehicle, police found two boxes containing 10 sealed bottles of Stilpane tablets with 1000 tablets in each bottle and 30 bottles of Purata tablets also with 100 tablets in each bottle.

Through further investigation it was established that the driver purchased the tablets from a supplier on his employer’s name (doctor) without the doctor’s knowledge.

The estimated street value of the Schedule 5 tablets is R35 000.

The suspect is expected to appear in court today, 14 April 2022 for contravening the Medicines Control Act.

Source: South African Police Service