
05/07/2025
π¨ Illegal Foreign Syndicates Exploit SA Public Healthcare for Drug Trafficking
Authorities have uncovered a syndicate of illegal foreigners posing as patients in South African clinics and hospitals to collect prescription medication, which is then smuggled to Zimbabwe and Malawi for illegal resale.
The operation takes advantage of overburdened public health facilities and weak oversight, with commonly targeted drugs including ARVs, painkillers, and other high-demand medications β all distributed free or at subsidized rates in SA, then sold for profit across borders.
This growing black-market trade is putting pressure on our healthcare system and depriving citizens of critical medication.