Spaza shops probed over illegal sale of medicines

An undercover investigation by *Daily Dispatch*, *Go!* & *Express* revealed that spaza shops in KuGompo City and surrounding areas—including Qonce, Bhisho, Zwelitsha, and Pefferville Township—are illegally selling Schedule 2 drugs without prescriptions or proper packaging. In Duncan Village, a shopkeeper handed over AstraPain Syrup (registration 27/0139), a drug containing paracetamol, codeine phosphate, and promethazine hydrochloride, for R65 despite it requiring a prescription and secure storage. The team also purchased Adco-Dol painkillers, containing paracetamol, codeine phosphate, caffeine, and doxylamine succinate, for R2 per loose pill without dosage instructions or warnings. The investigation uncovered dangerous practices: drugs were sold in bulk, stored in hot, poorly ventilated structures, and lacked original packaging, expiry dates, or batch information. One trader in Qonce openly suggested selling pills in bulk, implying resale. Nearby, an empty AstraPain bottle was found outside a house linked to a drug den selling Xanax and other codeine-based syrups, with stock available later in the day. A total of 22 illegal vendors across the metro were identified, with no questions asked about purchases. The drugs, including AstraPain and Adco-Dol, carry risks of dependency and health complications when misused. Authorities warn that these sales violate national pharmaceutical laws, which require Schedule 2 drugs to be stored securely under lock and key in cool, ventilated facilities. The investigation also found that suppliers in Qonce provided medicines to these shops, with one employee confirming they sourced from a warehouse that also stocked cigarettes. The lack of receipts or proper documentation further highlights the unregulated nature of these sales. Public reports of such activities are encouraged as the situation poses significant health and safety risks.