R126m worth of ivermectin seized at OR Tambo in biggest medicines bust of the year

JOHANNESBURG - Police have seized medicines worth R126 million at OR Tambo International Airport.

The medication, identified as ivermectin, was imported for the treatment of Covid-19, according to initial investigations.

The bust is the largest one involving the alleged illegal importation of medicines since the beginning of the year, said police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

Mathe described it as a “major breakthrough in clamping down the illegal importation of unregistered medicines.”

“The discovery of the tablets was made earlier this week by authorities during an inspection of a cargo container that was destined to South Africa from India. Upon a compliance verification of the unregistered medicines by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra), authorities found that the company that had imported the medicines into the country, had done so without the necessary written approval and authorisation from the regulatory authority,” said Mathe.

No arrests have been made, but the police are working with Interpol and authorities from India to establish the delivery address of the consignment.Preliminary investigations revealed that the unregistered medicines had been imported for sale purposes and would have been used to treat Covid-19, said

Mathe.

“The South African Police Service therefore draws the attention of pharmaceutical companies, including health experts to Section 22(c) of the Medicines Act which clearly states that anyone who wishes to import medicines into the country must have written authority from Sahpra. It should be further noted that those who do not comply with the act will be apprehended and brought before a court of law to answer to illegal dealing and/or importation of unregistered medicines.” In January, seven people were arrested for the illegal importation of unregistered medicine, mostly ivermectin. One person was arrested at  King Shaka International Airport while six others were arrestesid at OR Tambo International Airport. All seven accused are out on bail. – NEWS24.

LIVINGSTONE Pirates will be desperate to avoid a consecutive defeat when they face Monze George in today’s Week 14 Premier Futsal League PFL game at Automotive Futsal Arena.

Pirates who were humiliated with a 6-1 thrashing by defending champions Automotive FC will search for a win to redeem themselves to move to 21 points.

Today’s game also presents Pirates the chance to avenge their 6-0 defeat suffered against Monze George during round five of the PFL matches.

Pirates are currently sixth on the league table with 18 points from six wins and seven defeats and a win over Monze George will redeem their hopes of finishing the PFL in the top four.

Meanwhile, Automotive FC will aim to complete a double over Kitwe Bullets when the two teams clash at Automotive Futsal Arena.

Automotive are also seeking to maintain their unbeaten run while Kitwe Bullets will want to revenge the 3-2 defeat suffered when they last met during a PFL Week-5 match.

Automotive dominate the PFL chart with 39 points, three points ahead of Kabwe K-Line who are second with 33 points and will be facing struggling Chipata Boys.

It is another test for Chipata Boys who were walloped 6-1 by Siavonga Beetles who are set to take on relegation-bound Kafue Saints.

Beetles are the favourites going into today’s tie against Saints who “boast” of having only one win while the rest of the 12 matches have ended in defeats.

CSS Petauke are guaranteed free three points with a 6-0 score line over DS Academy whose failure to fulfil league games cost them a spot in the PFL league.

In the PFL Division One League, league leaders Zanaco host Lilanda Bullets while Veterans are scheduled to face Bil FC as second-placed Pioneer Avengers meet Tamanga Juldan.

BS Stars have an easy fixture against Mthunzi FC. Christian Academy host Blue Bombers while Efford Chabala are set to pick a walk-over at the expense of DS Academy.

PFL FIXTURES

Siavonga Beetles

Saints

Kabwe

Boys

Livingstone Pirates vs Monze George

Kitwe Bullets vs LSK Automotive

DS Isoka vs CSS Petauke

K-Line vs

vs

Kafue

Chipata