Johannesburg, South Africa — In a significant move against illegal pharmaceutical operations, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has shut down a facility in Silverton, east of Pretoria, which was producing unauthorized weight-loss drugs.
The plant, which was legally registered under the Pharmacy Act, was found to be manufacturing semaglutide and tirzepatide, both of which are primarily used to treat diabetes but also prescribed for weight loss. SAHPRA’s investigation revealed that the drugs were being produced outside the legal framework.
The manufacturer was also collaborating with a network of pharmacies and doctors who were distributing the products on a large scale.
The raid, which took place on May 11, 2026, resulted in the seizure of several finished semaglutide products and those containing tirzepatide, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients that could not be accounted for. SAHPRA’s CEO, Mokgadi Fafudi, emphasized that the discovery of these substances, which are still undergoing clinical trials and have not been approved for use, poses a serious risk to public health.
The plant was not registered with SAHPRA for manufacturing, and the production scale required it to be registered as a schedule four substance.
The operation highlights the challenges faced by regulatory authorities in combating the illegal pharmaceutical trade, particularly in a market where demand for weight — loss drugs is rapidly growing.
The collaboration between SAHPRA and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to ensuring the safety and quality of medicines available to the public.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
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