Authorities in South Africa are sending a strong message to syndicates who are manufacturing and distributing anabolic steroids in the country. These illegal drug organizations will be monitored and investigated by government agencies to stop them from harming more consumers especially the young teens. One organization that is in the forefront of this campaign is the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport. Just recently, the institute announced its plan to implement an Anti-Doping Intelligence System.

This program will focus on the illegal activities of syndicates who manufactures and distribute anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. Information gathered by the institute from the arrests of these criminals showed they are venturing into this business because profit is huge. “Anecdotal evidence and drug arrests point to substantial involvement of criminal syndicates who are manufacturing illegal steroids in laboratories and trafficking steroids and using the sale of steroids and other illicit medicines as a means to launder ill-gotten gains,” chief executive Khalid Galant told the Afriquejet site.

Trafficking Steroids Lucrative Business

South African authorities are not alone in this problem. Other countries are also targeting organized syndicates because they are now diversifying their interests in the illegal steroid trade. It is a fact that manufacturing and distributing steroids using illegal means is a profitable venture. Aside from unpaid taxes and licenses, most of these manufacturers don’t have established laboratories that follow quality standards.

Another reason why syndicates turn to steroids is the existing policies of most countries on the illegal trade of these drugs. “The return on investment is high and risks are considered substantially lower to the syndicates when manufacturing and trafficking steroids, as opposed to smuggling drugs such as cocaine, heroin or manufacturing methamphetamine,’ said Galant.

South Africa Vulnerable Steroid Destination

The chief executive of the Institute for Drug Free Sport was also alarmed on the proliferation of these syndicates in the country. South Africa has several ports which can be used as an entry point for these steroids. If they can’t effectively monitor these activities, SA can become the primary source of steroids in Africa and other parts of the world.

The concern of SA sports authorities on this issue is also echoed in the recently concluded anti-doping conference at Twickenham, UK. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) revealed that criminal syndicates around the world are now controlling a significant portion of world sports and this includes providing professional athletes with performance enhancing drugs.

Latest Survey: Teen Steroid Use Rising

Meanwhile, a recent survey by SA Sports Medicine Association revealed that 1 in 6 high school rugby players are taking steroids. Dr John Patricious, president of the association, was worried about the findings. He said that steroid use in high school level is becoming a dangerous trend and considers the rate as enormous.

The doctor warned youngsters about the dangers of steroids. “It is harmful to the boys’ health and they often do not see the signs because many of the side effects are silent and will only manifest later,” he said. He also explained that steroids are schedule 5 drugs and should only be taken when there is a prescription.

We seldom hear celebrities involved in the use of steroids or other performance enhancing drugs. If they will be using drugs, it will be more likely recreational drugs. Just recently, famous rapper Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Jones Jr., took a defensive stand when news broke out that he is using steroids and other drugs. The drug issue is not the only thing Nelly was angry about. Allegedly, he was also addicted to gambling and is now financially broke because of these vices.

Country’s Top Artist

Nelly, a country grammar singer, has sold over 21 million albums in the country. However, his popularity may be affected because of these allegations. This also leads to more questions. Where this news came from and who made the allegations?

All online celebrity sites pointed to MediaTakeOut.com as the source of information. The site first reported the tweets of an ex-manager of Nelly which ended into a word war between the two. It started when the ex-manager named Slim tweets that Nelly wasn’t happy when he booked him into a basketball event. When Nelly replied, Slim responded with harsh statements.

Addiction to Drugs and Steroids

According to Slim, Nelly was addicted to cocaine, steroids and is involved in gambling. The rapper is now suffering from financial problem which could lead to the foreclosure of his home.

Tweets Not True

The 36-year old country grammar singer said that Slim is not his ex-manager. He clarified that Slim is a promoter he had worked with in the past. He also denied that he is involved in drugs and steroids. “Don’t nothing go in this body but fish, chicken, turkey, protein, ROZAY, ciroc remy and Budweiser,” Nelly tweeted.

Nelly added that the story about losing his home is not true. “Ino some hoping that 4closure statement is tru but I’m sorry “EPIC FAIL”"! anytime any1 n STL wanna match deeds or pinkslips HOLLA,” he said.

If Slim continues to insist his claims this could lead to a defamation case. However, this situation may change if he can present evidence to prove these allegations. According to Daily Mail, this is not the first time steroid allegation was hurled against the rapper.

Steroid Issues in the Past

In 2008, he was implicated by a celebrity drug dealer as one of the latter’s high profile client. Nelly debunked the rumors saying he did not take anything illegal. “The only people who say that is people who don’t work out. Anyone who goes to the gym knows what Nelly is doing is nothing,” he told the media during that time.

Nelly’s physique is a proof that he is a fitness buff. Steroids will always come into the picture because it is a popular supplement for bodybuilding enthusiasts. Since Nelly already denied that he used steroids, it is up for the fans to decide.

A steroid investigation in Pennsylvania which started in late 2009 is now considered closed. The last defendant pleaded guilty last week and was given six months probation. Authorities nabbed several people involved in an illegal steroid distribution in Lehigh Valley County and other areas in PA. The two-phase investigation called “Operation Road Runner” made a total of 16 arrests.

Local Bodybuilding Promoter

The second phase of operation busted small time distributors. This is the reason why the last defendant, Craig Johnson, 39, only received six months probation and a fine of $500 from Lehigh County Judge Robert L. Steinberg. Johnson is a promoter of a local bodybuilding competition in Lehigh Valley. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor conspiracy to possess a controlled substance.

According to MCall.com website, Johnson promoted several bodybuilding and top figure competitions in the area. He was responsible in organizing bodybuilding competitions for Lehigh Valley NPC, SportsFest, and the 2007 competition in Stabler Arena in Bethlehem.

Other Co-conspirators in Steroid Distribution

The involvement of Johnson in the steroid distribution ring was made known to the authorities in August and September 2009 when an undercover agent purchased steroids from the promoter. The transaction happened at his business Top Physique Nutrition and Promotions located in Allentown. The authorities learned that the source of steroids was Edward Moyzan of Nazareth. Moyzan also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to deliver steroids and conspiracy. He received two years probation and fined $1,000.

Steroids Purchased Online

During the investigation, Moyzan disclosed to the authorities that he purchased the steroids from former Northampton County Prison guard Brian Potance who is also from Bethlehem. Potance admitted that he bought these steroids online. Potance was charged with two counts of illegal drug possession and got 2-years probation plus $1000 fine.

Three others also pleaded guilty early this year. Brian Chamberlain, 36, of Chester County was sentenced to two years probation and fined $500. Angela Girondo, 50, and Frank Peters, 34, both of Montgomery County, also received the same sentence.

Bodybuilder Sued Bodybuilding Site and Distributor

Meanwhile, a bodybuilder from Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against a famous bodybuilding site and two other companies for selling dangerous steroids. The Consumer Affairs website reported that a Massachusetts man claimed he suffered severe side effects from taking steroids he purchased from the Bodybuilding site. According to Mathew Jordan of Wilmington, Mass., his liver was damaged as a result of taking Magna Drol manufactured by BOSC Enterprises. He suffered hepatitis and jaundice.

Magna Drol was already pulled out from the market when the FDA issued a nationwide recall for the product in November 2009 because it contains a potent steroid. However, the plaintiff claimed that he was still able to purchase Magna Drol in January 2010 from Bodybuilding.com. Consumer Affairs also named another company included in the suit, Flex Appeal LP. The bodybuilding website already discontinued the sale of the said bodybuilding supplement.

Professional athletes turn to social media sites to communicate with their fans and at the same time to their enemies. There were many instances that the use of twitter or facebook has created controversies instead of providing useful information to the general public. The latest sports figure who was hit for using his twitter account is Sugar Shane Mosley. He re-tweeted a story claiming Pacquiao was injected with steroids and HGh by a Filipino sparring partner. It turned out the story is a hoax.

Dela Hoya Tweets His Apology

However, the use of social media can also be a good channel for some to amend tainted relationship with other people. This is what the former boxing champion Oscar dela Hoya decided to do. Last week, dela Hoya tweeted his apologies to rival promoter Bob Arum and pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao.

“I would like to humbly apologize for any pain I have caused to you and or your family,” said dela Hoya. The sour relationship between the two promoters started years ago and the cold war between the two boxing promoter still continues. The latest example of their rivalry was Nonito Donaire’s decision to leave Top Rank and go to the Golden Boy Promotions.

Dela Hoya also urged Arum to put their differences behind and offer boxing fans great fights. “With great humility I ask we work together for the good of the sport we dearly love. It is not fair to the fans and to the fighters. So today let’s move forward and put on the best fights possible and show the world what we are capable of doing,” dela Hoya posted in his twitter account.

According to online sources, this is the second time dela Hoya issued an apology to Bob Arum. He also tweeted last December a similar message. “I am writing these words with great sincerity. Bob arum first of all happy b day and second I want to apologize for anything that I have said.”

Bob Arum’s Response

Boxing writers immediately asked Bob Arum about these tweets. “I will say this, it is a very nice gesture on Oscar’s part. We’re grateful for that,” Arum told the Examiner. Many believe that this could be the start of a better relationship between the two promoters. In another interview, the chief of Top Rank Promotion said that he accepted dela Hoya’s apology.

Addressing Performance Enhancing Drug Issues

The Golden Boy also asked for forgiveness from Pacquiao whom he also have a not so good relationship. In fact, Oscar dela Hoya is one of the respondents in the steroid libel case filed by Pacquiao in Nevada. Dela Hoya joined Floyd Mayweather Jr. and boxing trainer Floyd Sr. in insinuating Pacquiao used performance enhancing drugs like steroids and HGH since 2009. In 2008, Dela Hoya lost to Pacquiao via 8th round stoppage which led to the retirement of the former boxing champion.

“I also want to apologize to Manny Pacquiao for any wrong doing in my part. You are a great champion,” dela Hoya posted on his Twitter account. “I have realized that by accepting my mistakes everyone around me will hopefully forgive me,” he added.

These statements from the former boxing champion could help him in the steroid defamation case. It would at least lessen his culpability.

Part of Rehab

Right now, Dela Hoya is undergoing treatment in a rehab facility in California. He submitted himself to drug abuse therapy because of his cocaine addiction according to online sources. The post on twitter is one of the things that he might have been told to do.

Oral steroids have long been used in treating sudden hearing loss. However, today, a new alternative has been given a lot of credit because it widens the treatment options for people with the condition. This treatment option comes in a form of an injectable steroid, which needs to be injected into the middle ear. This injectable treatment is seen to be just as effective as that of the oral steroid option.

The Injectable Treatment

In case of sudden deafness, the oral steroid treatment is still the standard recommendation. The help of the injection treatment is only when there are potential medical contraindications to oral steroids. However, some doctors may prescribe both kinds of treatments for the sudden hearing loss.

Steroid injection treatment has become popular over the last 15 years. Its main advantage is the fact that it offers an increased drug concentration in the problem area with a reduced systemic steroid exposure and so as adverse side effects. Another advantage of the new option is that it is less risky as compared to oral steroids. Taking steroid orally can offer various side effects that steroid injections can avoid. Though the oral steroids come in cheaper, the risks associated with this option are not at all worth the savings.

Injection Performed by Doctors

But since the steroid injections need to be performed by a professional, using it to treat hearing problems can be not that convenient as oral steroids. Patients who need to be injected with steroids need to visit a doctor’s office for the treatment. This is not to mention yet that this is potentially painful and a little bit expensive.

In a study comparing the effectiveness of the two steroid treatment options, it shows that patients that are treated with oral steroids are seen to have showed a 30.7 decibel improvement in their affected ear. On the other hand, patients that are injected with steroids have showed a 28.7 decibel improvement.

Comparing the Two Options

In one study that includes 250 patients who have unilateral hearing loss problem, there is only a slight 10 decibel difference in the hearing outcome between the two treatments. However, this does not mean that one treatment is inferior to the other. Even if the steroid injection treatment has effects slightly inferior to oral treatment, this does not mean that injection is not a good option. Both treatment options are equally effective in recovering hearing.

Side Effects

The study, however, sees that both treatments can have unpleasant side effects. The steroid injection can offer more discomfort and some of the side effects associated with it include brief caloric vertigo, occasional cases of otitis media, and pain. On the other hand, the study have seen side effects of oral steroids as sleep, mood, and appetite changes, increased thirst, dry mouth, elevated blood glucose level, and abnormal complete blood cell count.

The introduction of injectable steroids for treating sudden hearing loss is not meant to wipe out oral steroids but to be a reasonable alternative to the oral treatment. This is especially true for patients that have too high of a risk for systemic steroid usage.

A New York Times report prompted the Major League Baseball (MLB) to conduct an investigation on the possible violation of the league’s anti-doping policy by Yankees pitcher Roberto Colon. This was confirmed by MLB’s senior vice president of public relations Pat Courtney to the media. The report did not accused Colon for using human growth hormone but his elbow surgery was treated by a doctor who uses HGH in treating patients. The procedure was also performed in the Dominican Republic.

Elbow Injury

Colon suffered an elbow injury last year and sought the services of an orthopedic surgeon from Boca Raton, Florida. Dr. Joseph R. Purita, who runs the Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopedics in Florida, treated the pitcher with stem-cell treatment and platelet-rich plasma therapy to hasten Colon’s recovery from shoulder and elbow injuries.

Overview of the Procedure

Bone marrow stem cells were obtained from Colon. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge to separate bone marrow from blood. After this procedure, the bone marrow is combined with Colon’s body fat. It wass injected into his right shoulder to repair the torn rotator cuff and on his elbow to repair an injured ligament.

This method of treatment is becoming popular especially among athletes. According to the New York Times, the procedure helped Colon return to the Yankees. However, there are still some people who doubt the efficacy of the procedure because of lack of clinical studies.

Possible HGH Treatment

The treatment done on Colon’s injured elbow is drawing the attention of the MLB and baseball fans. Stem cell treatment and platelet rich plasma therapy is not an illegal method of treatment. However, questions arise from Colon’s decision to choose that particular treatment. The choice of doctor, the place where the treatment was performed and the time of recovery were just some of the queries that he should answer.

Dr Purita admitted that he uses human growth hormone as one of his methods of treatment so there is also a possibility that Colon received the same medical procedure. Right now, the use of HGH is only limited to some medical conditions. It is also banned by the major league because it is considered as a performance enhancing drug.

Doctor Denied He Used HGH on Colon

In an interview by the Daily News, Dr Purita clarified that he did not injected Colon with human growth hormone. He also welcomed the investigation that will be conducted by the major league. “I’m clean as a whistle. I agree with Major League Baseball that human growth hormone should not be used to treat injuries. There is too much potential for abuse (in sports),” the doctor told the Daily News.

He reasoned out that at his age he doesn’t want to be involve in any illicit practices. “I don’t want that stigma. That’s why I won’t give human growth hormone to anybody involved in organized sports,” he said. He also shuns treating athletes with HGH in the high school and college levels.

Roberto Colon is performing okay in the recent games. He replaced Phil Hughes who is still in the disabled list. Hughes is currently undergoing a strength-building program and expected to return in mid-June. Colon, a 2005 Cy Young awardee, struggled with his performance in the previous years because of injuries.