In December, the German police contacted their South African counterparts in the South African Police Services and requested assistance in investigating a syndicate operating between Europe and South Africa.
An investigation by the German Federal Criminal Police, SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Hawks focused on a syndicate which specialised in a cross border trade of pharmaceutical HIV (antiretroviral) drugs. The drugs were sourced from the United Kingdom, repackaged in South Africa before being sold to the European market from Germany.
The investigation resulted in a simultaneous take down in South Africa and Germany on Wednesday. One suspect was arrested by the German Federal Criminal Police on the island of Sylt in Northern Germany.
Pharmaceutical products were found in the premises. In Cape Town, Crime Intelligence and the Hawks pounced on and arrested a man in his early fifties. He operated using an unregistered pharmaceutical company. Samples of anti-retroviral drugs were found in the premises.
Authorities both in Germany and South Africa are delighted that this cooperation has resulted in the arrest of suspects. We will continue to cooperate in the fight against criminal syndicates operating between the two countries. The Cape Town suspect is appearing in Goodwood Magistrate Court today.
Media Contact:
Colonel McIntosh Polela
Tel: 012 400 6584 / 6579
Fax: 012 400 7018
E-mail: dpci.communication@saps.org.za
Two Suspects Arrested in German-South African Operation
