An investigation by the Daily Dispatch and Go!& Express revealed the widespread illegal sale of Schedule 2 medicines, including AstraPain syrup and Adco-Dol painkillers, from spaza shops and informal vendors across KuGompo City and surrounding areas like Pefferville Township, Qonce, Bhisho, and Zwelitsha. These medications, which require dispensing by licensed pharmacists due to their potential for dependency and misuse, were readily available without prescription or proper packaging, often stored in unsanitary conditions. Sources indicated that youths are consuming AstraPain mixed with soft drinks to achieve a high, a practice facilitated by vendors who asked no questions and charged inflated prices, with authorities acknowledging their limited direct role but encouraging public reporting of such illicit activities.