Many law enforcement officers in the country are not only involved in the use of anabolic steroids. Some of them venture into the illegal distribution of the controlled drug because of the high profit from selling steroids. Authorities are doing their best to stop these illegal activities because it ruins the credibility and reputation of the law enforcement sector. If they are the ones involved in illegal transactions, how can they assure the public that they can still perform their jobs efficiently?

In Philadelphia, an investigation of a steroid ring revealed the involvement of many police officers including a detective who allegedly run the illegal steroid business. The arrest of 15 individuals who were involved in the steroid ring was made possible through the efforts of FBI, DEA and the Philadelphia Police Department. According to the indictment, Philadelphia detective Keith Gidelson managed a steroid distribution network in Philadelphia and other parts of the country. He facilitated the importation of anabolic steroids and human growth hormones from other countries like Europe and China.

3 Police Officers Charged

Gidelson was charged together with his wife and two other police officers. They were already suspended for 30 days and a possible dismissal from the service. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey hopes to clean their ranks after the arrest of the defendants. “Another dark day for our department, but one that certainly does not reflect the good work that goes on every single day by the men and women of this department,” he said. “Unfortunately, we do have some that tarnish the badge and continue to do so and we will very aggressively continue to go after them and get them out of our ranks,” Ramsey added.

U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger said in a statement that these police officers put their personal interest above their duty to uphold the law. “Police officers swear an oath to uphold the law. When an officer breaks the law, no matter the infraction, he not only violates his oath, he violates the public’s trust. This indictment alleges that three officers placed personal gain ahead of their duty to protect and serve,” Memeger said.

The Steroid Distribution Network

Based on court records, Gidelson’s scope of operation does not only cover Philadelphia but throughout the country. He imports steroids and HGH on a monthly basis from China and Europe and then repacked these drugs at his home. His co-conspirators were responsible in the distribution of the controlled substances to local fitness centers and individual customers. Gidelson’s wife also helped him in repacking and distribution.

Gidelson rented a mailbox from a UPS Store where shipments of steroids and growth hormones were delivered. Some shipments were also delivered to California where a co-conspirator repacks and send the packages to the police detective. His home serves as the warehouse and distribution center. Authorities said Gidelson had already distributed large quantities of steroids and HGH. A taped conversation between Gidelson and another defendant showed that the former was selling various types of steroids. His business is thriving well because of the large orders of steroids.

Steroids and Bodybuilding Sites

The indictment also showed that the Philadelphia police detective used the internet to sell steroids in other parts of the country. He acquired customers through online weightlifting chatrooms of some popular steroids and bodybuilding websites. Gidelson used a free and paid email services to place orders of steroids and HGH.

Illicit Steroids Posing Legitimate Pharmaceutical Products

An FBI agent told the media that the imported HGH and steroids from other countries poses as legitimate pharmaceutical compounds but in reality these are illegal and dangerous drugs. The illicit importation of drugs is a major concern of the authorities because of the health problems it can inflict to individuals who are seeking for the artificial advantages of using steroids. The abuse of anabolic steroids can also lead to serious illnesses like heart diseases and cancer.

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