Johannesburg – A consignment of the “date rape” drug has been intercepted at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) Cargo terminal by Border Management Authority (BMA) environmental health officials.
BMA officials recovered 8.1 kg of Rohypno – classified as a Schedule 6 drug in South Africa – which was detected concealed in a consignment of dried fish.
Rohypnol is commonly known as the “date rape” drug.
Schedule 6 drugs are moderately to highly addictive and include narcotics and painkillers.
This means that patients must be closely monitored, with firm professional control over their supply.
Consequently, these drugs aren’t available on repeat prescriptions, and their dispensing is limited to a 30-day supply at most.
Commenting on the drug bust, Commissioner of the BMA Dr. Michael Masiapato on Monday commended what he said was the “dynamic operation” of the environmental health officials.
The joint operation comprising BMA officials, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) uncovered the consignment that arrived on a flight from Nigeria.
A case has been registered with the SA Police Service.
The BMA said it remains committed to maintaining border law enforcement with strict control measures in place to detect and prevent illegal activities.
