Jul 12 2010
Owner of Home Based Steroid Manufacturing Nabbed by DEA and Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Illegal manufacturing and distribution of anabolic steroid is one of the perennial problems of the federal authorities as well as local enforcement agencies. Aside from the unauthorized production of these drugs, it is also unsafe for the consuming public. Since anabolic steroids are controlled substances, manufacturing of these drugs are only given to licensed pharmaceutical companies. If there are some cases where supplement products of some pharma companies are tainted with steroids ingredients or steroid-like substances, it is more dangerous to patronize products from illegal sources. It is common for these illegal manufacturers to undeclare some harmful ingredients or increase the dosages to make it more potent.
In Ohio, the DEA and local enforcement agencies joined together to end a large scale steroid manufacturing and distribution center in the Perrysburg area. It is so far the largest seizure by the authorities where the amount of anabolic steroids seized from the suspect could reach up to $1 million. After a few months of investigation, Greg Kreuz, 39 of Perrysburg was arrested for illegal manufacturing of anabolic steroids and distribution of these drugs in the area. “We’ve been working on it for quite a few months, and the investigation led to enough probable cause to get a search warrant and an arrest warrant,” said Perrysburg Deputy Police Chief Mike Gilmore.
Kreuz is currently held in Wood County jail and his bond is set at $250,000. The initial charges against Kreuz include two counts of possession of drugs and one count of manufacturing drugs. The search at his home steroid laboratory revealed large volume of steroids. “This was primarily a distributor, but the charges haven’t come to that yet,” said Police Chief Gilmore. “We haven’t gotten to his computer yet. We haven’t gotten to his customers,” he added. Authorities believe that the distribution of steroids could be beyond the Perrysburg area. Additional charges may be filed once the investigators gather more information from the suspect and the computer seized from him could unlock the extent of operation of Kreuz.
The authorities did not reveal the type of steroids seized from the suspect. The common customers of these drugs are bodybuilders and professional athletes. Though this helps in the development of muscles and strength, abuse of anabolic steroids could lead to serious health problems such as heart diseases, liver damage, gynecomastia, depression and other complications.
With the amount of anabolic steroids confiscated by the authorities, Kreuz may not be alone in this steroid operation. Others may be involved in the illegal operation which could be statewide or international in scope. According to a drug counselor, the home based operation of steroid production is not uncommon. Although it is a controlled substance, it can be purchased just like a pack of gum. It can be ordered through the internet or by phone and have it delivered to your home.
Kreuz’ neighbors were surprised of his alleged involvement in illegal manufacture of anabolic steroids at his home. Carl Ryan of Toledo Blade interviewed some of Kreuz’ neighbors and most of them said that they did not noticed any unusual activities at the suspect’s home. Kreuz is a nice guy and a very quiet man. A resident in the area who once cleaned Kreuz’ house never saw any pill, capsules or injectables which are typical form of steroids.
