Achieving a workforce that is 100 percent drug free at Portland Police Bureau is now becoming more feasible with the new policy of random drug testing to be implemented this year. Police officers will now be required to undergo drug testing for several classes of drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine or PCP, amphetamines plus steroids.

Portland Police will be joining other major law enforcement agencies that include testing for steroids in their random drug test like Phoenix, Boston, New York, N.M., and Albuquerque. Under the steroid testing program, 55 police officers will be tested for steroids every month or up to 660 officers per year.

Bureau will push through with Steroid Testing

Yvonne Deckard, the director of the city’s Bureau of Human Resources, shared that they are unable to reach any agreement with the union on steroid test even after multiple meetings with the union last year. However, the city cannot further delay the testing as she cited that this is a very important issue for the City Council and the citizens of Portland.

After finding a laboratory that will perform the steroid test at a reasonable price, the bureau decided that steroid testing shall be included despite the firm resistance of the police union

Under the new random drug-testing policy, every individual selected for drug test will be automatically tested for steroids. Punishment for first time offenders constitutes options to seek treatment, be assigned on a desk job and have restricted police powers or face up to a 40-hour suspension.

Termination will be imposed to an officer if he is found to be involved in any incident of refusal to undergo the drug test, switching or contaminating any urine sample. For officers who tested positive for steroids or any other drug who might argue that it was used as an alternative medical treatment is subject for a medical review. Results will again undergo a thorough evaluation by the medical review officer before turning it over to the Police Bureau.

Union to Clarify More Issues with Steroid Testing

A complaint was filed by the union president last September demanding the city to halt any proceedings with any drug-testing policy. He states that the union has yet to clarify more issues and raise their concerns about the steroid testing. Daryl Turner brought up the issue that under the city’s current policy, any detectable level of steroids would be considered a positive drug test.

They are worried for those officers who are taking over-the-counter supplements which may result to a positive test. They wanted a separate test if this happens. But that would cost another $300. Police officers can’t also tell if supplements contain steroids so they could be punished even if they are not doping.

Union’s Concern Not Valid according To Health Experts

The head of health promotion and sports medicine of OHSU, Dr. Lim Goldberg, disclosed that the union’s concern is not valid. Dr. Goldberg explained that any officer who tested positive for steroids after taking sports supplement is an indication that the supplement company may be illegally placing steroids on its products. Authorities already gave warnings that taking over the counter supplements may put them at risk because these are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

He also clarified that it is deliberately false to claim that amino acids or different types of supplements can result to a positive steroid test. Something the police union should look into in order to reach an agreement with the bureau regarding the details of steroid testing.

A recent decision of a federal judge is considered another victory for police chiefs in New Jersey. Judge Susan Wigenton dismissed the charges against Hackensack’s chief of police and two other officials for subjecting a police officer to undergo steroid testing. The judge said that the complainant can’t sue the department officials for testing him for steroids in 2009. Chief Ken Zisa, Capt. Thomas Salcedo and Capt. Danilo Garcia could claim immunity from litigation under the federal doctrine protecting public officials from trivial lawsuits.

Police officer Joseph Al-Ayoubi sued his superiors for allegedly violating his civil rights. However, the judge noted that the department officials have the right to test him for steroids because of the evidences gathered against him. According to Judge Wigenton, reasonable suspicion is already a ground for immunity under the federal qualified immunity doctrine and recent case law. Judge Wigenton also cleared the city of Hackensack of any civil right violations.

The decision also emphasized that chief Ken Zisa can reasonably order a drug test on an officer to determine if they were using illegal or prohibited drugs. This action is not considered unlawful or in violation of clearly established laws according to the judge.

Judge’s Decision Lauded by City Officials

“The Record” reported that the city officials welcomed the decision of Judge Wigenton. Officials see it as an endorsement of the stand of the city against settling any of the lawsuits. In an interview, city manager Stephen Iacono said that they feel good about the recent decision. “I think that our direction in handling these cases has been justified,” he said adding that the city spent almost $4 million for similar cases in the past two years.

But Al-Ayoubi’s lawyer told the “The Record” that the city is not yet free from any liability. “We still maintain that their actions were illegal,” said Patrick Tuscano, lawyer of Al-Ayoubi. “More than that, factually, their actions have opened their employer, the city of Hackensack, to liability,” he added.

Internal Investigation Led to Steroid Test

The investigation conducted by the Hackensack police department was originally focused on another officer, Lt. Vincent Riotta. Through the process of investigation, Lt. Riotta provided investigators with secret recordings that led to the suspicion that Al-Ayoubi is taking anabolic steroids. Chief Ken Zisa then ordered the officer to submit to a steroid test.

The result returned positive for the anabolic steroid methandienone. But the lawyer of Al-Ayoubi argued that the latter did not take an illegal drug. The substance, he claimed, was a by-product of an over the counter supplement which is legal.

The battle between Al-Ayoubi and the Chief Zisa is not yet over. There are still other cases pending in court. Al-Ayoubi will testify against Zisa in another case on March.

Just recently, a judge also ruled in favor of the Jersey City chief of police for requiring his officers to be tested for steroids. The officers were also implicated into the use and purchase of steroids using illegal prescriptions.

Federal Court of Appeals dismisses suit against the Jersey City police chief upholding his rights to require officers to submit for anabolic steroids drug test.

Chief Tom Comey contend in the lengthy legal fight that he has an obligation to ensure that the officers do not pose risk to the public with steroid use and increased aggression. An investigative report revealed that several Jersey City police officers were involved in the illegal purchase and use of steroids last year which prompted the police department to conduct steroid testing.

Police Officers Filed Suit against the Steroid Test

There were initially seven officers who filed a suit claiming that Comey had violated their civil rights when he ordered the officers to undergo test, stripped them off their weapons and assigned them to desk duty. Police officers with elevated levels of testosterone were ordered to remain on modified duty without access to their firearm until their levels returned to normal range and the drug test result is known.

The Jersey City police officers argued that they took their steroids for a legitimate medical condition called hypogonadism. Use of testosterone can ease symptoms that include fatigue and impotence. The officer’s lawyer, D. Gayle Loftis further assert that his clients used a legal prescription of drugs that doctors in New Jersey are authorized to prescribed.

Court records show that officers Nicholas Kramer, Brian Mc Govern and Patrick Fray were among of more than 40 Jersey officers who obtained anabolic steroid or human growth hormone from Lowen’s Pharmacy in Brooklyn. Investigators are determined that the pharmacy is more than an illegal steroid mill. Authorities state that the officers obtained prescriptions from a doctor who faked diagnosis in many cases in order to help clients achieve stronger muscles and bigger body built.

According to court papers, two police officers who are found taking steroids stopped the treatment while another officer decided to continue the treatment at lower doses. That officer was then suspended for five months without pay after having an unaccepted elevated testosterone level.

Lower Court’s Decision Upheld

The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia sided with Tom Comey who in their opinion only exercised his authority to ensure that his personnel’s are capable of providing public safety services to the citizen’s of New Jersey. They upheld the decision of the lower court.

It was further cited that police officers must be mentally fit as their profession is both dangerous and highly stressful. Julio Fuentes, the Appeals Court Judge strongly stressed that the use of potent steroid may lead in exerting the “awesome and dangerous power” of these officials. The nature of the job and the intensity of service these police officials render to the public require them to perform with their utmost ability at all times.

The court has specifically imposed that in order to ensure that the officers are mentally and physically fit to perform their job, the police department may require its officers to divulge information about prescription drug use to uphold the interest of the police department.

The deputy chief, Peter Nalbach who was also involved in decision of placing the officers in desk duty, has expressed his gratefulness to the courts verdict. He noted that the court took a stand to defend the public interest.

A motion to ask the appellate panel to reconsider will be filed by the officer’s lawyer, D. Loftis early next month. They are also considering filing a lawsuit in the state court instead with the ground of violating the Law against Disabilities and the state Civil Rights Act.

Large scale steroid and marijuana distribution created controversies in Greater Danbury last March. A criminal enterprise headed by the accused ringleader, Mark Mansa together with his co-defendants was charged with running an extensive steroid and marijuana dealings to several customers including high school student athletes.

The operation of Mansa’s group was allegedly protected by local police who warned the accused that they are under scrutiny according to federal investigators. He was also linked to a criminal group, the Bonanno crime family and the Hells Angels.

After nine months, the case of the steroid ring, which was dismantled through the combined forces of Danbury Police, Connecticut State Police and Federal Drug Enforcement Administration, is now moving toward a resolution. But the most explosive accusation remains to be answered – high school steroid use and police corruption.

The defendants claim that the drug ring was not as extensive as what law enforcement officials declared it was. Mansa states that there were a lot of allegations that are not true. Another co-defendant, Glenn Wagner of Brookfield revealed that they are only portrayed as big time drug dealer to enhance chances of seizing homes and other properties under federal asset forfeiture laws.

However, those allegations was dismissed by the Danbury Police Chief, Al Baker, saying that their goal is to arrest drug dealers and remove them from the street not in any way to enhance their budget through forfeiture.

The Marijuana and Steroid Ring

The marijuana ring include old circle of friends way back into their teenage years. Mansa, Wagner and Kevin Lubic get their marijuana supply from their connection in Brooklyn N.Y. from a man named Richard Sciacchetano. He is considered the primary but not the exclusive source of marijuana by the defendants.

Authorities were able to gain access to the alleged ring in 2010 State records even shows that Mansa was responsible for bringing more than 1, 000 pounds of marijuana in Connecticut with over $3 million and $7 million state value. Evidence further showed that Mansa and other accused are responsible for the flow of very significant amount of anabolic steroids and marijuana into the state. Based on police records, Mansa sold at least 70 bottles of steroids a month in the area.

They finally managed to get inside the alleged steroids ring by using a cooperating witness named Steven C. Johnson who’d known Mansa for years. Johnson established a connection of the wide distribution of steroids with Mansa’s gym friend, P.J. Braun. Braun said in his interview with The News-Times that investigators tried to get him to turn on Mansa and help them prove he is a big time steroid and marijuana dealer. Braun also said that Mansa may have been involved in some crazy stuff but he doesn’t think Mansa will sell steroids to high school student.

Defendants Expected to Plead Guilty

The accused Mansa, Wagner and Sciacchetano are scheduled to appear in court to enter guilty plea. Except for Lubic ho has not shown indication of doing so.

Statements allegedly made by the defendants in various court documents cast doubt on their own credibility despite their claims that authorities exaggerated the amount of drug’s that the group was selling.

Wagner had even told the police that for the past two years he had been receiving 20 to 30 pounds of marijuana a month from Sciacchetano although he denied that he is involve in moving large quantity of drugs. It was even stated on the same document that Wagner said that Mansa was getting 20 to 50 pounds of pot each month. However, Wagner still owe Sciacchetano $50,000 for the drugs seized from his house in February even though he claimed that he was just holding it for the latter.

We are yet to see damning evidences that will link local police officers in the marijuana and steroid ring. There is also little information as to how rampant their selling activities especially on high school student athletes in Danbury and other high schools in Connecticut.

Before the year ends, a lot of cases involving the use of anabolic steroids still made it to the headlines. Illegal purchases and as well as distribution of the said performance enhancing drugs are still widespread not just in the country but in other parts of the world as well. People involved in these activities may have varying reasons but one common objective is for their personal interest. Users want to have bigger muscles and stamina while distributors want to earn money from selling these controlled substances.

Bodybuilder Imported Steroids and HGH from China

But not all people are lucky. Some of them were caught and ended in jail. Just recently, a man from Missouri pleaded guilty to illegal purchases of bodybuilding steroids. He is facing up to 5 years in prison plus fines that may reach up to $250,000. Gregory L. Loomans, 40, of St. Charles County, MO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to posses with the intent to distribute human growth hormones in the area. His main customers were also bodybuilders.

According to reports, Loomans, together with a conspirator, imported human growth hormones and steroids from China. The defendant earned at least $10,000 from the steroid distribution activities. Aside from selling steroids to bodybuilders, Loomans also used some of them. His sentencing is scheduled on March 16.

Former Athletes Leads a Doping Ring in Spain

Meanwhile, a doping ring was busted in Spain according to a recent Associate Press report. The Civil Guards who spearheaded the investigation said that the doping ring operators include 3 former athletes and 3 medical employees from Valencia. The raids were conducted in different cities in Spain including Valencia, Cantabria, Sevilla and Barcelona. There were 18 suspects who are in the custody of the authorities. Their names are still withheld while the investigation is still on-going.

Authorities seized thousands of doses of various performance enhancing drugs which include anabolic steroids and human growth hormones. Muscle building clenbuterol and the famous blood-boosting drug EPO are in the list of PED’s confiscated from the suspects. The target customers of the group are athletes and bodybuilders.

Citizen Attempted to Smuggle Steroids in Airport

In Croatia, Customs officers in the Zagreb Airport prevented an attempt by a Croatian citizen to smuggle thousands worth of vasodilation pills and steroids. The drugs were found inside a suitcase. The passenger claimed that it only contains clothes but an inspection revealed 46,976 different kinds of vasodilation pills such as Viagra. There were also 2,135 ampoules of steroids. A case was already filed against the citizen for his attempt to smuggle controlled substances in the country.

The World Kabbadi Cup was also marred by the high number of athletes caught using performance enhancing drugs. In India, 20 players failed the steroid tests conducted by the anti-doping authorities.

As long as these anabolic steroids provide benefits to these athletes, regardless of the side effects, they will continue to use them to enhance their performance in sports or improve their physique.

Another MLB star player recently tested positive for testosterone. The 28-year old Ryan Braun of Milwaukee Brewer was found positive in the drug test as per the report submitted by WADA. The positive result was triggered by elevated levels of testosterone in Braun’s system. To affirm the result the World Anti-Doping Agency lab in Montreal conducts a more comprehensive secondary test to determine whether the testosterone was a result of natural variations within Braun’s body or from a synthetic source. The test results however indicated that the testosterone came from outside his body.

With the Braun’s case being in dispute, we can’t help but to know the root cause of sport controversies over performance enhancing drugs. A better understanding of the effects of testosterone in an athlete was explained by Dr. Robert Prost, a biophysicist at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The doctor was interviewed during the Wisconsin’s Afternoon News with John Mercure on News Radio 620 WTMJ.

In sports it is oftentimes assumed that if you’re stronger, your possibility in performing better is higher. This is exactly what the athletes sought for. Dr. Prost lined a stream of benefits that athletes wanted so much to achieve with the help of illegal performance enhancing drugs.

Testosterone Helps Build More Muscles

The use of testosterone encourages muscle cells to build more muscle cells. In which according to Dr. Prost, an athlete do not just develop bigger muscle cells but more often it makes the total muscle grow stronger. With the use of testosterone you’re likely to have more red blood cells due to the decrease of the conversion of muscle cells to fat cells inhibiting the death of muscle cells you have. This occurrence therefore, does not just provide an athlete more strength but also allows a faster recovery time to engage in a work out and build more muscle.

Synthetic testosterone can transform an athlete to a super-athlete with stronger and bigger muscles. These amazing results lure several athletes in trying injectable form of testosterone. With the old steroids, it would take almost two months to get out of the body circulation. Athletes turn to the injectable forms of steroids with a typical half-life of under a week to exit the body. In only a matter of three weeks time an athlete turning to testosterone for help can usually get rid of what he has taken, Dr. Prost further explained. This new method of releasing the testosterone out of your system helps athletes avoid detection during drug test.

Dr. Prost further speculates that since player can be randomly tested for up to two times a year, testosterone users may took the chance and start using testosterone right after the first test. This scenario may work for some but remains risky depending on how much notice is given before the next test is to be made.

Warning on Possible Side Effects

Beneficial it may be, Dr. Prost warned that testosterone is something that could bring a lot of bad side effects. Injectable testosterone can promote prostate cancer, increase blood pressure and whole list of health problems. In spite of this, there are several athletes who adhere to testosterone supplements to help them train harder and excel on their chosen sports. The solution is to find safe testosterone supplement that are legal to use. While most testosterone are banned in major sports, athletes can best consider legal way of succeeding in their respective fields through approved testosterone supplement therapy and of course, extensive training.