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

Three men were arrested in South Africa during a Hawks operation targeting the alleged illegal distribution of pharmaceutical substances and drugs. The suspects, aged between 30 and 40, were apprehended during a coordinated operation on Wednesday morning. The South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau, National Priority Violent Crime, and Economic Protected Resources, all part of the Gqeberha Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation, along with the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit Combat Team, conducted the operation in Algoa Park and Kariega.

The suspects were arrested at three premises in the early hours of the operation. A 30-year-old man was taken into custody at the first location in Algoa Park, allegedly for dealing in drugs. A 40-year-old suspect was arrested at the second premises in the area. During the searches, authorities seized 5,000 Purata tablets, 500 grams of suspected cannabis, cash, scales, and cellphones.

The operation then expanded to a homestead in Kariega, where a third 30-year-old suspect was arrested, reportedly the leader of the syndicate.

The investigation had its roots on September 7th, 2025, when investigators executed a controlled test purchase operation. Additional test purchases and verification operations were carried out to confirm the reliability of the information. The suspects have been charged with contraventions of the Medicines and Related Substances Act, including unlawful possession and dealing in scheduled substances, as well as charges pertaining to dealing in cannabis.

All three are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, and further arrests and charges remain a possibility.