GAUTENG – Four alleged steroid dealers, Francois Juan Van Der Merwe (44), Jacob Mokgethwa (42), Kenneth Aliki (40), and John James (51) were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team with the assistance of the K9 Unit on Wednesday.
The group appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court yesterday. They were charged with manufacturing, dealing and possession of steroids in contravention of the Medicine and Related Substance Act.
For about two months, the premises at New Market Junction, Alrode in Alberton were put under scrutiny by the Hawks. This culminated in a search and seizure operation at the said premises. A fully functional clandestine laboratory manufacturing steroids and suspected sexual enhancement drugs valued at over R2 million were seized.
Van Der Merwe and his three employees were immediately arrested and detained hence the court appearance. The court granted Van Der Merwe and Mokgethwa bail of R8000 each. The other two remain in custody pending verification of their status in the country and bail application next week Wednesday.
The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa applauded the multi-disciplinary team for this magnificent success. He further appealed to members of the public to continue reporting the illicit manufacturers and distributors of anabolic steroids as well as other drug substances.