A multi-agency investigation (Project Decca) into steroid and performance-enhancing drugs culminated in a raid on Tuesday, 11th February 2025 on various properties in the Pretoria North area that resulted in the uncovering of a sophisticated steroid syndicate with an online sales presence. The raid resulted in the arrests of multiple suspects that will appear in court on money laundering charges in addition to multiple violations of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act and Medicines and Related Substances Act.
The investigation over a three-year period was made up of multiple agencies led by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Organise Crime Investigations, the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS), Financial Intelligence Center (FIC) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). Intelligence information on doping in sport gathered by SAIDS was shared with law enforcement to help build sufficient evidence to substantiate warrants for a raid and arrests.
Anabolic Steroids, scheduled medicines, performance-enhancing drugs and pill-counter equipment were seized during the raid. The estimated street value exceeds R5 million. The actual street value will be confirmed when the suspects appear in court.
SAIDS will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and share intelligence information with them to disrupt the illegal manufacture and the supply of banned substances in sport such as anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs. These syndicates are a serious threat to sport in our country and have no qualms in touting and selling steroids to impressionable learners in school who believe that these substances are a gateway to sporting excellence.
13 February 2025