2010 is a good year for the pharmacy owners allegedly involved in a multi-state conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids. They have been fighting this case for a few years already but the latest developments showed that they are winning the legal battle, at least for now.

Last week, the lawyer of the defendants informed the U.S. District Courts in Orlando, Florida and in Albany, NY that the federal prosecutors in Florida have already ended their criminal investigation against the pharmacy owners. They told the court that they received a letter from federal prosecutors stating that the matters previously pending against the Signature Pharmacy has been closed.

The federal prosecutor in Orlando was ordered by a district judge in June to return various pharmaceutical drugs and company records to the pharmacy because they were illegally confiscated. A raid was conducted by federal authorities in 2007 against the Signature Pharmacy for their alleged involvement in illegal steroids distribution ring. It was considered as one of the largest steroid distribution ring in the country that was dismantled by the joint efforts of different government agencies headed by District Prosecutor David Soares of Albany, NY.

The ruling of US District Judge Gregory Presnell was appealed by the federal prosecutors in Orlando. However, the prosecutors dropped their appeal and agreed to return the evidences. While this is considered a good news for the pharmacy owners, they still have to face, one more time, the man that orchestrated their arrest in 2007.

Owners are still facing several charges in New York. It was already dismissed by a district judge because of a conflict of interest issue against Albany Prosecutor David Soares. Prosecutor Soares, his assistant and some police officers in Orlando were sued by pharmacy owners for allegedly violating their civil rights when Soares and other law enforcement officers raided and arrested them in 2007. But Soares and his group went to the Appellate court and they were able to get favorable ruling. The appellate judge reinstated Prosecutor Soares in the case.

The lawyers of the pharmacy said in their filings with the court that the appeals court judge may have been wrong in reversing the decision. “It is a veiled attempt to undermine Judge Herrick’s appropriate exercise of his judicial authority to appoint an impartial prosecutor to reinstate the integrity of the criminal process as it pertains to this matter,” said John Casey, an attorney for the pharmacy’s owners.

But the legal struggle of the owners of the Signature Pharmacy in Florida will still continue. They have again implicated in a steroid case in Rhode Island. A businessman from Orlando pleaded guilty last year for smuggling human growth hormone from China to the United States. Based on court documents, Victor Martin Effron implicated Signature Pharmacy in his operation. Two doctors from New York, who also pleaded guilty to felony charges, admitted that they wrote steroid prescriptions through the Signature Pharmacy.

Hundreds of police officers and firefighters in New Jersey were reported to be using steroids. Inside sources even estimated that the number could be higher because there are some officers who are purchasing steroids from the black market. The former founder of BALCO and an owner of a supplement company agreed on this assumption. Victor Conte, who became controversial for supplying designer steroids to professional athletes, estimated that a quarter of law enforcement officers could be involved in the use of performance enhancing substances.

Right now, the actual number of police officers using steroids is hard to determine because of so many factors. Most of them used the drug secretly because they know the consequences if caught using the drug. Police departments implement “zero tolerance policy” which means the use of any prohibited substance is not allowed in the service. Erring officials will surely meet harsh sanctions and even prison term if they are also involved in selling or distribution of these drugs.

The rampant use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs is not only happening in New Jersey but it could also be happening in other states. Lawrence Payne, the spokesman of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) told the AOL News that it’s becoming a big problem. “It’s a big problem, and from the number of cases, it’s something we shouldn’t ignore,” he said. “It’s not that we set out to target cops, but when we’re in the middle of an active investigation into steroids, there have been quite a few cases that have led back to police officers,” he added.

According to health experts, the number of users in law enforcement could be in the same level with bodybuilding and sports. The number of steroid users uncovered by the Star Ledger in New Jersey was only based on recorded prescriptions. And most of these prescriptions were not valid because of connivance with doctors making fake diagnosis.

The Reason Behind Steroid Use

An author of a steroid book said that the change in culture in the police service contributed to the rise in steroids use. According to Larry Gaines, too much emphasis on physical fitness has forced some officers to use substances that will enhance their physique. “This has become a great competition among officers. They want to be the biggest, strongest,” said Gaines, who heads the Department of Criminal Justice at California State San Bernardino.

Conte agreed on this and even cited sports competition in police departments that could have added to the inclination to use muscle building supplements. He said regional and national police sports competitions usually feature events such as weightlifting. “I’ve known people in those competitions who were using that stuff,” Conte told AOL News.

Gaines admitted that even if police officers are involved in the use of steroids, they have not received similar criticisms common to professional athletes. He gave two possible reasons; police officers don’t have any athletic record to protect and kids don’t idolize them. “I don’t know what would have to happen to make this a major issue. Essentially, this has become commonplace,” said Gaines.

Effects on Police Officers

The debate is still on whether these steroids can help or harm police officers. There are reports that most officers who are taking steroids are often involved in aggressive arrests. Their judgment may also be affected according to some health experts.

Conte, who have work with so many athletes, knows that using steroids could cause some side effects but contends that some of these effects are overstated. He admits that steroids can have psychological effects such as mood swings or depression, liver damage or high blood pressure. However, it still depends on how much of drug is taken. “I think overall, it’s kind of like alcohol. If you’re a jerk when you’re sober, you’re going to be more of a jerk when you’re using,” he said.

A former police official also told the media that it’s hard to correlate the use of excessive force by law enforcement to steroid use. He said that more study should be conducted on this issue.

I never took steroids. This statement had caused a lot of trouble for Rafael Palmeiro when he testified in Congress about his knowledge and use of anabolic steroids. After a month he tested positive for stanozolol and was suspended. He blamed a vitamin B12 supplement which was given by a teammate for his positive test. However, this alibi was not bought by baseball fans. After that season, teams in the league did not signed Palmeiro.

But after several years, Palmeiro’s name made headlines again for qualifying in the Hall of Fame ballot. This year’s Hall of Fame list was composed of great players in the league which will make voting very difficult for the members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. But most members are sure, it would be easy for them in deciding what to do with baseball slugger Rafael Palmeiro.

The Statistics

Palmeiro played from 1986 to 2005 as a first baseman and DH for Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles. Here are his stats:

Home Runs: 569 home runs (12th all time)
Hits: 3,020 hits (23rd all time)
RBI’s: 1,835 RBIs (15th all time)
Extra-Base Hits: 1,192 (6th all time)
Walks vs Strikeouts: 1,353 vs. 1,348

Other Achievements

Palmeiro is 1 of the 4 baseball players who have at least 500 home runs and 3,000 hits. The other 3 are Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Eddie Murray. He is the only player with at least 38 home runs and 100 RBI’s for 9 consecutive seasons. He won 3 Gold Glove Awards and received MVP votes in 10 seasons.

There’s no doubt that these stats should be in the HOF. Bobby Valentine of the Texas Rangers told ESPN that Palmeiro deserves to be in the Hall. “When he was with the Cubs, he didn’t hit for power, but when he got to Texas and started working with [hitting coach] Tom Robson, he learned how to use his bottom half, and he went from a super swinger to a complete hitter. He became a star. He was a star. I think he should be in the Hall of Fame,” said Valentine.

His former manager Buck Showalter said that Palmeiro had a great tempo. “He was very consistent. He made it look easy,” he said. A former teammate from the Baltimore Orioles also believe Palmeiro should be in the Hall. His consistency in the field and for being a great hitter is a quality that makes a Hall of Famer.

Steroids Still an Issue for Voters

Peter Barzilai of the USA Today revealed that Palmeiro’s chance in this year’s HOf is nil. For USA Todays’ voters only two voted for Palmeiro. In a survey of the Baltimore Sun, only 20% of the respondents will vote for the baseball slugger. The media outfit surveyed 147 of the approximately 500 writers eligible voters. Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News said that he will never vote for Palmeiro. “I would have voted for him; 569 home runs, 3,020 hits - those are Hall of Fame numbers, but those numbers were enhanced by steroids. I’ve set my personal policy, and I won’t vote for him,” he said.

Hall of Fame Important For Palmeiro

Palmeiro is still optimistic that most of the voters will use steroids as criteria in the Hall. “I hope they don’t hold me out for one mistake,” he told SI in an interview. He never expected to be in the HOF but now that he became eligible, it already matters to him. “I only played to win and have fun. But, yes, now the Hall of Fame is important to me. Why wouldn’t I want to be there? It would mean more than anything to me. I hope they don’t hold me out for one mistake at the end of my career.”

He still insists that he never knowingly took steroids. “I had no motivation to take steroids because I was at the end of my career,” he said. Palmeiro was suspended in 2005 and never came back after that season. “I was telling the truth then, and I am telling the truth now. I don’t know what else I can say. I have never taken steroids. For people who think I took steroids intentionally, I’m never going to convince them. But I hope the voters judge my career fairly and don’t look at one mistake,” he added.

The result will be announced on January 5.

We have already covered several cases of steroid use among police officers in the country. However, the case of New Jersey police department is a little bit different. Most of their police force and firefighters were allegedly involved in the use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. An investigation by a media outfit revealed the rampant use of police officers and firefighters in New Jersey which makes it a concern for the authorities. One of their sources of steroids is a New Jersey doctor who is being investigated for allegedly making fake diagnosis and illegal prescriptions.

In the report of the Star Ledger, they found out that that there are at least 248 officers and firefighters from 53 agencies who obtained anabolic steroids and other hormones through a Jersey City doctor, Joseph Colao. Though the doctor already died, these officers continue to purchase steroids and human growth hormones from other anti-aging clinics.

Lawmakers and other official in the state have already initiated investigation to look into the possible abuse of steroids by these police officers. It also enraged some government officials when they learned that these officers used the taxpayer’s money to pump up their body with muscle enhancing substances.

Cops Abusing Steroids

A special investigation unit was already created to look into this problem. Police officers and firefighters who will be found abusing these drugs and used the taxpayer-funded benefits may face criminal and civil charges. The New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow said in a statement that they are very thankful for these officers for their willingness to cooperate. She also thanked the police union for their support. “Not only are they looking at the violators who are using steroids improperly, they’re looking at the fraud, underlying fraud. We’ve brought in our fraud experts to talk about the payment scheme and whether these are payments that the new state of New Jersey should be assuming,” added Dow.

Steroid Testing for Cops

The controversy has sparked the need for mandatory steroid testing of NJ cops. Two of the largest police unions in NJ are open to this suggestion to help eradicate steroid use among police officers in the state. The random drug testing being implemented in New Jersey does not include anabolic steroids. The endorsements came from union presidents Anthony Wieners and Ed Brannigan. They represent more than 49,000 officers.

Wieners said in a statement that he personally feel the need for every officer to be tested for any substance like steroids or any medication. Weiner is the president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association with at least 33,000 members across the state. Brannigan, on the other hand, does not believe that steroid use is widespread in the law enforcement department. He said that they are confronting the issue and hoping that the union could be persuaded to help in putting up anti-steroid policy. Brannigan is the president of the state Fraternal Order of Police with 16,000 members.

Both union presidents ask for a representation in the on-going investigation to at least protect the civil rights of the police officers.

Jersey City Police- Highest User

The number of police officers and firefighters allegedly involved in the use of steroids and growth hormones came from 53 different agencies in the state. According to the Star Ledger, some came from small municipal departments to the state Department of Corrections and the State Police. It was also revealed that the Jersey City Police Department had the largest number of officers using steroids. They have filled prescriptions for various substances such as but not limited to testosterone and stanozolol.

Amir Khan won a unanimous decision over WBA interim Marcos Rene Maidana in their December 11 fight. Both boxers have an impressive record but Maidana’s trainer Miguel Diaz was not impressed with the performance of Khan. He rather insinuated that Khan’s trainer, Alex Ariza is giving the boxer something to enhance his performance in the ring. Though this is a word war between the two trainers, Khan can’t control defending himself from this allegation.

In an interview of a British newspaper, Khan shared that he is affected by allegations that he cheated to win. “It is hurtful,” he told The Star. “I am drug tested and have never tested positive because I am so clean. I don’t even drink.” The boxer also insists that he never took any banned substance such as steroids. “I would never, ever take a banned substance. I am too scared to take something like that. When people say something like that, they are just trying to make you look bad,” said Khan.

Some people were amazed by his recent performance in the ring. Khan was able to endure Maidana’s knock out punches. People following the career of Khan will definitely agree that the boxer has already improved dramatically. However, the insinuation that he is taking performance enhancing substances like anabolic steroid is still baseless. His endurance and strength could be due to the proper training that he got from Ariza and Roach.

Khan added that there are some people who are jealous of his achievements. “Why don’t people say Maidana is on something because the [punching] power he has got is mad? He has got power that not many fighters have. I think a lot of people are jealous,” he said.

He said that cheating is not his way of getting into the top. “I would never cheat in sport. Why would I want to cheat in sport or take drugs?” he said. Whatever his achievements right now is due to his hard training. “I train so hard and my body is so fit.”

A Word from Ariza

Ariza also responded to Diaz’ allegation. “To call me a fraud, you know, I don’t cheat. Everybody knows that,” Ariza told the media. “I train my fighters, and I’m legitimate. I don’t give them anything. Anything illegal.”

However, Miguel Diaz denied that he is accusing Ariza of doing something illegal. “But Alex is the one who started everything with me. Maybe it’s in his subconscious or something like that. But at no time did I ever say that he cheats,” said Diaz. Maidana’s trainer admits that he called Ariza a fraud. He said that even without Ariza, Manny Pacquiao will still become a great boxer. “Pacquiao and Freddie Roach are of everything, with or without Ariza,” said Diaz.

Khan Defends his Pal Pacquiao

Khan also defends his friend Manny Pacquiao from steroid allegations. Khan and Pacquiao are both under the tutelage of Coach Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. “I have been hit by Manny Pacquiao’s best shot and not gone down. I have seen his speed and power and still think he is a normal, clean fighter who is not on drugs.” Khan said that Pacquiao is wary of drugs and dislikes injections. Khan also shared his conversation with Pacquiao when he visited the Philippines.

When he asked the Pac Man about the accusation and demands of Floyd Mayweather Jr, Pacquaio replied that he never took drugs in his career and the demand of Mayweather is too much. “When Mayweather is demanding I take tests every day it is mental and I’m not ready for that,” said Pacquiao. The 8 word division champion’s next fight is on July. It will be held at MGM Grand with Mosley versus Pacquiao as the main bout.

The perennial problem of most governments around the world is the proliferation of illegal drugs. In fact, the campaign to eradicate smuggling have caused some bloody incidents which led to the rising number of casualties like in Mexico where drug rings have already established its nationwide and international networks.

In the previous years law enforcement agencies are only focused on the sale of prohibited drugs like cocaine, shabu and heroin. But this time the illegal trade of anabolic steroids is also increasing. This is an indication that the demand for steroids is becoming huge and profitable.

Studies have shown that steroids use is not limited to sports enthusiasts but it is now being used to improve image or physical appearance. The use of steroids as performance enhancing drug is waning due to the strict anti-doping programs of most sports organizations. In addition, there are already modern technologies and methods that can effectively detect the use of steroids.

French Steroid Ring Busted

In the latest blow to international drug syndicates, French authorities were able to apprehend suspected operators of an international drug ring selling anabolic steroids. The steroids business of the suspects was touted as the biggest doping ring in Europe according to government sources. Authorities revealed that the main operation of the group was based in Marseille, France.

Three suspects were apprehended and already charged for trafficking hazardous substances and doping products. The investigation of French authorities also leads to the discovery of other illegal activities of the group like money laundering operation in Germany and the Netherlands. The raid in the homes of the suspects yielded large sums of money.

Internet Based Steroid Business

French authorities said that the group operates an online steroid business with most clients coming from Marseille and from other parts of the country. Since the steroids are sold online, they can easily get clients from other countries particularly in Europe and the USA. Police estimated that the operator of this business averages at least 1,000 euros or $1,300 a day. This is for Marseille steroid sales alone.

The French Sports Ministry also told the media that this illegal steroid operation has 10,000 customers in France and around 200,000 clients in Europe.

Officials said that the group targets bodybuilders as their main clients. But with the type of operation and number of clients they are serving daily, it is also possible that ordinary people who just want to improve their physique may be patronizing this business. Information released to the media showed the anabolic steroids came from suppliers in Cyprus, China and Turkey. The steroids coming from the said countries were cheaper but the quality is sometimes compromised.

Details as to the different kinds of steroids or brands of steroids being offered by this group is not yet released to the public.