Hawks bust alleged pharmaceutical drug syndicate, seize 5,000 Purata tablets and cannabis

Hawks raided three properties in Gqeberha and seized thousands of scheduled tablets.

Three men have been arrested following a Hawks operation targeting the alleged illegal distribution of scheduled pharmaceutical substances and drugs in Algoa Park and Kariega.

The suspects, aged between 30 and 40, were arrested during a coordinated operation on Wednesday morning.

The operation was conducted by the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), National Priority Violent Crime (NPVC) and Economic Protected Resources (EPR), attached to the Gqeberha Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), together with the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) Combat Team.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Hawks said the operation began at about 6am, when officers executed a planned takedown at three identified premises.

A 30-year-old man was arrested at the first premises in Algoa Park, allegedly for dealing in drugs, while a 40-year-old suspect was arrested at a second premises in the area.

"The searches resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of scheduled medication and suspected cannabis, as well as items believed to be of investigative value. The seized items include 5,000 Purata tablets, contained in 50 bottles of 100 tablets each, 500 grams of cannabis, undisclosed amount of cash, three scales and four cellular telephones.

The operation was subsequently extended to a homestead in Kariega, where a third 30-year-old suspect was arrested," said the Hawks.

According to the Hawks, the man is alleged to be the leader of the syndicate.

During the search of the Kariega property, officers seized one bottle of Purata tablets, one bottle each of Mylan Alprazolam 1mg and 0.5mg, 44 Stilpane tablets and a cellular phone.

The Hawks said the investigation dates back to 7 September 2025, when investigators conducted a controlled test-purchase operation.

Further test purchases and verification operations were carried out to establish the credibility of the information received.

The Hawks said the operations produced positive results and ultimately led to Wednesday’s coordinated arrests.

The suspects have been charged with contraventions of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, including the alleged unlawful possession and dealing in scheduled substances, as well as charges relating to dealing in cannabis.