Park Road Police pounced on suspects who allegedly attempted to transport stolen antiretrovirals (ARVs) worth R1.2 million by train on Thursday. Two suspects were arrested at the Bloemfontein Railway Station with about 1068 bottles of the medication that was meant to be used by patients at Zastron Clinic.
Free State Police MEC Sam Mashinini condemned the theft of vital medication as it affects the most vulnerable members of society. “One of our principles is that people in South Africa should live a better and healthier life. We can’t allow people to steal medication. They will face the full might of the law. We will catch you!” he said sternly.
ARVs have been increasingly reported to be among medications that are sold illegally. The tablets are often used, amongst others, to concoct “nyaope” a highly addictive form of heroin.
Newly appointed Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane commended the policemen and women who formed part of the sting operation. “The team followed-up on intelligence driven information and on arrival at the Bloemfontein Railway Station spotted a Grey BMW sedan with Eastern Cape registration numbers,” she said.
“They tactically approached the vehicle, searched it and inside the boot found boxes and bags covered with a blanket. These boxes and bags were full of bottles containing antiretroviral tablets,” explained Motswenyane.
Bottles of Atrioza, Odimune, and Tribuss were confiscated by police before the suspects were arrested. One of the suspacts is a 33-year-old man who allegedly works at the Eastern Cape Department of Health. – Nomaqhawe Mtebele
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