South African health authorities have intensified efforts to combat the growing black market for unregistered weight-loss medicines following a major raid at a Pretoria pharmacy accused of illegally producing injectable products linked to globally popular treatments such as Ozempic.
The operation was conducted jointly by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at Sentra Pharmacy in Silverton, Pretoria.
During the inspection, officials confiscated injectable products containing Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and combinations of both substances — ingredients widely associated with modern diabetes and weight-loss treatments.
The raid comes amid rapidly rising demand for these medicines both locally and internationally, as consumers increasingly seek pharmaceutical weight-loss solutions.
Authorities Raise Alarm Over Unsafe Manufacturing Conditions
According to investigators, the pharmacy was allegedly operating outside the legal boundaries of pharmaceutical compounding regulations in South Africa.
Under current laws, pharmacists may prepare customised medication only for individual patients who hold valid prescriptions. Regulators believe the products at the facility were instead being manufactured on a much larger commercial scale, particularly for weight-loss purposes.
Authorities said conditions inside the facility raised serious health concerns.
Investigators reportedly found inadequate sterile manufacturing processes, unsuitable equipment for injectable medicines, and no proper systems to verify product purity, dosage strength, or safety standards.
Officials also suspect that some of the pharmaceutical ingredients used to produce the injections may have been imported illegally.
SAHPRA warned that injectable products produced in unregulated conditions can expose patients to serious health risks, including contamination, incorrect dosing, and potentially life-threatening side effects.
The regulator is currently investigating reports of adverse reactions connected to some of the seized products, including incidents that reportedly resulted in hospitalisation.
Demand For Weight-Loss Drugs Continues To Grow
The popularity of medications containing Semaglutide and Tirzepatide has surged worldwide in recent years due to their effectiveness in treating diabetes and assisting with weight reduction.
However, global shortages and high treatment costs have also created opportunities for illegal suppliers and counterfeit products to enter the market.
Health experts say many consumers may not realise whether the medicines they purchase are properly registered, clinically tested, or safely manufactured.
Authorities also expressed concern that the pharmacy lacked an established pharmacovigilance system — a monitoring process used to track and respond to patient side effects and medicine safety issues.
As part of the enforcement action, regulators seized all affected products and ordered a full recall of medicines distributed through pharmacies, healthcare providers, and other sales channels.
SAHPRA CEO Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela said authorities would continue taking action against businesses violating South Africa’s medicine laws.
“The unlawful manufacture, importation, advertising, and distribution of unregistered medicines pose a serious risk to public health,” she said.
Meanwhile, SAPC CEO Vincent Tlala warned that pharmacists or pharmacy staff found to be involved in the sale or distribution of illegal medicines could face disciplinary action, including possible removal from the professional register.
Source: SAHPRA, South African Pharmacy Council