Paarl steroid lab bust: Two more arrests made
From left: Cheslin Cornelius, 39, and Clementhea Stoffels, 40, made a brief appearance in the Paarl Magistrate Court on Thursday, 5 February, before being added to the other two accused at the Paarl Regional Court in connection with the uncovering of an illegal steroid manufacturing laboratory in Paarl, the Hawks said.
Image: Hawks
Two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the uncovering of an illegal steroid manufacturing laboratory in Paarl, the Hawks said on Friday, February 6.
Clementhea Stoffels, 40, and Cheslin Cornelius, 39, made a brief appearance in the Paarl Magistrate Court on Thursday, February 5, before being added to the other two accused at the Paarl Regional Court, according to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.
Both were released on R500 bail and will return to court on Thursday, March 5.
Warrant Officer Hani said the discovery of the lab dates back to February last year, when the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), in partnership with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), located the fully operational premises.
The investigation began in January 2023 following a tip-off about steroids being couriered from Franschhoek and distributed locally.
"The parcels were intercepted and sent to the laboratory for testing of which the report came back positive. Two suspects were identified, and further investigation was conducted," said Warrant Officer Hani.
A search and seizure operation was authorised and conducted. During the search, Warrant Officer Hani said pressing, sorting, and labelling machines, scales, and ovens were discovered.
"Moreover, powder and suspected Schedule 4 medicines were also discovered."
The case has been remanded to allow the defence to consult with their clients.
Find Bolander on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza.