Police Shut Down Illegal Home Pharmacy In Duncan Village, Woman Arrested

What started as a quiet tip-off has now turned into a full-blown police case, after authorities uncovered an alleged illegal pharmacy operating from inside a home in Duncan Village, East London.

A 54-year-old woman is expected to appear in court after being arrested on Monday, following a coordinated raid that exposed what police describe as an unlicensed medical operation running under the radar in the community.

Inside The Raid That Uncovered The Operation

The bust was not случай. It came after reports surfaced about suspicious medical activities in the area, prompting a multi-disciplinary team to step in.

Members from the Eastern Cape Missing Persons Unit, the East London K9 Unit and Buffalo City Environmental Health Services worked together to execute the operation. What they found inside the home painted a worrying picture.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, officers seized a large stash of medication, including injections, along with a speed point device and cash. The medicine alone is estimated to be worth around R85,500 on the street.

Facing Serious Charges

The woman now faces multiple charges linked to South Africa’s strict healthcare laws. These include violations of the Medicines and Related Substances Act and the Health Professions Act.

At the heart of the case is the allegation that she was in possession of scheduled medicines and was providing healthcare services without being registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

In South Africa, only licensed professionals are allowed to diagnose, prescribe or dispense medication. Operating outside of this system is considered a serious offence, not just legally but also from a public health perspective.

A Growing Concern In Vulnerable Communities

Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata did not mince his words following the arrest. He warned that illegal medical practices are becoming an increasing threat, especially in communities where access to affordable healthcare remains limited.

For many residents in areas like Duncan Village, the appeal of cheaper or more accessible treatment can be strong. But authorities say these underground operations often come at a dangerous cost, with unregulated medicines and unqualified practitioners putting lives at risk.

Investigation Still Ongoing

Police have confirmed that the case is still under investigation, and more charges could be added as authorities continue to examine the evidence seized from the property.

For now, the arrest sends a clear message that unlicensed healthcare operations are firmly on law enforcement’s radar, particularly in communities where residents may already be vulnerable to exploitation.