The seemingly unending and extensive demand for anabolic steroids, marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal drugs had provoked a lot of people to engage in illegal drug trade in exchange for huge amount of money. They are compelled to commit various strategic acts in order to continue the distribution of steroids and other drugs.

This had been apparent with the increasing number of steroid apprehension by the authorities in different countries. Rampant transaction of illicit selling of steroids and other substance of abuse are now being addressed by the intense campaign of authorities against illegal steroid possession.

This illegal drug related operation had long been the target of authorities to stop the extensive drug trade. However, selling of steroids and marijuana, being the most commonly seized dugs, can earn illegal drug traders hundreds or thousands of dollars a day without having other regular job. The high profit encourages a lot of them to resort to different means of drug distribution scheme.

Steroids Apprehension and Illegal Drug Shipments

Widespread distribution of steroids and illegal drug shipments are being guarded by joint forces of authorities in different countries in order to intercept them. A new federal legislation allows agencies to share information in the US and other countries improving their ability to tackle steroid possession and prevalent selling of steroids and other drugs.

The intensive campaign of authorities to impede distribution of steroids and other prohibited drugs had brought upon the apprehension of $ 1.7 billion worth of drugs by the Canadian Border Services Agency. They seized a significant amount of contraband from the Port of Montreal amounting to over 28 million tons of cargo in 2011.

Another steroid possession case had been apprehended by Austrian police involving a Slovenian couple who had been reportedly involved in selling of steroids and illegal performance enhancing drugs worldwide. The married couple is now bound to face an extradition to the US where most of their on-line buyers came from.

Based on suspicion of first-degree drug crime, the Woodbury police assisted Ramsey County narcotic agents to execute a search warrant to a male resident and a Maplewood woman in their Woodbury home. They were believed to be part of a group distributing steroids, marijuana and cocaine.

An incident of anabolic steroids apprehension was also reported at El Paso Texas after deputies conducting a traffic stop managed to hold a car after the driver change lanes in an unsafe manner. The team pulled over the car after noticing that the driver appears to be extremely nervous and apparently drives a car with defective license plate. The deputies searched the car and the bags finding a 10ml vials that were later determined to be anabolic steroids. The 47-year old Servando Castrejon was arrested for possession of anabolic steroids.

Ways to Combat Distribution of Steroids

The various efforts of drug enforcement agencies in controlling the widespread circulation of steroids possession and use of illegal drugs are intense but not strong enough to shatter and destroy the underground economy of distribution of steroids and banned substances.

High technology surveillance equipments, better monitoring techniques, high supervision of illegal traders’ shipment tactics could help in solving drug cases. Furthermore, steroids apprehension of authorities in different part of the state could protect those that are selling steroids within the bounds of law.

Many are not aware that steroid abuse is not only happening in bodybuilding and professional sports. According to an anti-steroid advocate, there are at least half a million kids who are buying steroids. Last year’s data also showed that at least 300,000 young teens admitted to taking performance enhancing drugs. An increasing number of girls who are experimenting with steroids are also recorded. If this is not curtailed, it will lead to serious health conditions that experts claim will result to long term physical and mental side effects.

Football Hall of Famer Taking the Lead

These alarming statistics were shared by former football legend and Hall of Famer Dick Butkus during an interview with the Scout.com. Butkus is leading the campaign against steroid use especially in younger generation. He started the “I Play Clean” campaign 5 years ago when he learned that there is a high number of young kids involved in steroids.

Butkus established the “I Play Clean” program together with his son. “My son Matt and I started IPlayClean about four or five years ago. That was due to certain circumstances I’d heard about with kids taking steroids. We talked to Don Hooton, who committed to us, about his son’s problem with steroids,” he told the Scout.

Kids Take Steroids without Supervision

The pro bowler is worried on the future of these kids. Most of them (at least 82%) admitted that they used steroids without supervision and have no knowledge on the dangers of taking steroids. He believes that though proper education, these kids will be spared from the negative side effects of steroids.

He cited as an example the health conditions of most bodybuilders and power lifters who are heavy steroid users. Health experts found out that the calcium levels and heart rate of these users is equivalent to 30 years older than their actual age. Kids are more prone to these side effects. “Taking steroids is detrimental to your health, especially during your developmental years,” he added.

The Battle against Teen Steroid Use not Easy

Butkus admitted that the fight against teen steroid use is not an easy battle. Peer pressure and the desire to excel in their chosen sports are the primary obstacles in keeping these kids away from performance enhancing drugs. With the help of some partners, the “I Play Clean” program was able to distribute at least 10,000 educational kits to high school students every year. This is to increase the awareness of the students about anabolic steroids.

Other Programs to Strengthen Campaign

Aside from educational programs, Butkus also want to spread the play clean campaign through the Butkus Awards. They are now planning to include high schools in their annual award for best football player. They also have a new project called the “Butkus High School Hits Of The Week,” where high school athletes are encourage to send their best hits. Fans will vote for the best entry every week and a year end award for top hitters.

“It’s a basement deal. We’re trying to get more people involved, not only for kids but for parents and coaches. We have the information about steroids in those educational kits, and the signs of abuse,” said Butkus.

Butkus also commended the Little League for promoting clean and fair play. In the recently concluded Little League World Series, athletes wore a patch saying “I won’t cheat.” “You hit the nail right on the head. What we’re hoping is we get enough of these kids that say, ‘It’s not cool to take that junk. Let’s play fair.’ It’s a character issue,” Butkus said.

Law enforcement officers are still tempted to buy and use steroids even if it will cost their jobs. There are only two possibilities, a law enforcement officer involved in steroids could be distributing it for profit or buying these drugs for personal use. However both activities are not permitted in any law enforcement agency in the country.

Just recently, another Broward County law enforcement officer was arrested for buying steroids. The incident happened early this month but was only made public this week. The South Florida Times reported that Hollywood police arrested a certain David Agosto after the latter was spotted buying steroids in a parking lot of an IHOP restaurant in Hollywood Boulevard.

The Hollywood Police’s Street Crimes Unit was responsible in the arrest of Agosto and another person identified as David Kader. During the surveillance, operatives saw Kader handing Agosto a bottle of pill. When the alleged transaction was completed, Hollywood police arrested the two suspects and conducted searches on both suspect’s car.

Search Yielded Thousands of Steroid Pills

A search on Kader’s car yielded more than 20,000 pills of anabolic steroids. Authorities confirmed that the orange pills seized were Stanozolol or commonly known as Winstrol. This type of steroid is popular among bodybuilders because of its muscle building effects. Glass jars containing liquid steroids were also found in the trunk of his BMW. The jars were labeled as testosterone. Several syringes were also confiscated by the police in Kader’s car.

The police also found guns and ammunition from the suspect. An AK-47 assault rifle with 2 empty magazines was found inside the trunk and a .40 caliber Glock handgun with ammunition was hidden underneath the driver’s seat. A total of $2,821 in cash was also recovered.

Agosto was caught in possession of 100 steroid pills similar to what authorities seized from Kader. Kader initially told arresting officers that he just sold supplements to his friend but poison control officers later identified the pills as controlled substances.

Another BSO Deputy on Steroids Controversy

Deputies from the Broward County never learned from the previous controversies involving their department. Hollywood police learned that Agosto is also in the law enforcement when he presented an identification card. “Agosto then handed me a Broward County Sheriff’s Office correctional deputy ID card,” said Detective Mark Alford. A handgun, a Broward Sheriff’s Office uniform and a badge were seen at Agosto’s car.

“Upon further conversation, he advised me he purchased some pills from Kader. I retrieved a white plastic bottle from Agosto’s front right pocket containing 100 orange pills with markings SM on one side and a score line on the other side,” Alford wrote in his report.

The issue of steroids use became a problem in the BSO when several of its officers were implicated in an illegal distribution of anabolic steroids by a Deerfield Beach pharmacy in 2005. Several deputies allegedly bought steroids from the pharmacy through fraudulent means. However, the officers were not sanctioned and the state attorney’s office and the BSO were in conflict with regards to who will handle the case.

Suspects already Charged for Selling and Buying Steroids

Both suspects posted bail for their temporary release. Agosto was charged with one count of possession of anabolic steroids while Kader was charged with one count of drug possession with intent to sell. It is not clear if Kader was also charged for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions.

According to the SFL Times report, Agosto was suspended with pay. Agosto works in the BSO since 2002 and is currently assigned as a detention deputy in the Corrections Department. If he will be convicted of the charges, he could face up to 5 years in prison and may be fired from the service.

The abuse of controlled substances such as anabolic steroids could be prevented or at least lessened if those people signing and filling prescriptions will be more cautious. There are many instances where doctors allow their patients to buy steroids more than what they need. Moreover, some doctors also connived with steroid online sites by signing prescriptions even without conducting actual examination of the patients.

These schemes give the patients or customers the freedom to buy steroids even if they don’t have any valid medical condition to treat. Most of the time, these are used to build muscles and strength.

Pharmacies Dispensing Controlled Drugs

While doctors signing prescription for steroids should be held liable, people who fill these prescriptions are also accountable. Authorities are keeping an eye on pharmacies involved in questionable dispensing of controlled medicines. In Florida for example, health and federal authorities raided and closed a famous pharmacy for dispensing thousands of anabolic steroids and controlled substances. It was learned that the prescriptions came from doctors who did not follow the required protocols in signing prescriptions.

A similar case was also reported in Queensland, Australia. A pharmacist was sanctioned for dispensing excessive amount of steroids to a single patient. The Queensland Civil and Administration Tribunal (QCAT) revoked the license of Pharmacist Jeffrey James Brenton for unsatisfactory professional conduct. He was also required to pay the cost of proceedings.

$30,000 Worth of Steroids for One Customer

According to the report of the Courier Mail, Trenton dispensed at least $30,000 worth of steroids to a single customer from January 2006 and July 2008. This is despite the questionable doses bought from him during that period. Though Trenton called the doctor who made the prescriptions, he still continued dispensing the controlled substance even if he knows it could be misused or abused. The amount of steroids is well beyond any therapeutic use said the court.

Judge Fluer Kingham said in his decision that the pharmacist provided health services which were excessive, unnecessary or not reasonably required for the patient’s well-being. The judge noted that Trenton is in the business for many years and should have acted more prudent. Trenton has been practicing his profession for 50 years and managed 7 pharmacies. He also dispensed for two hospitals. “After such a lengthy career, apparently without any other transgression, it is regrettable it has ended this way,” said the judge.

Pharmacist Called the Doctor

The judge considered in his decision the initiative of Trenton to call the doctor prescribing those steroids. According to the report, the said patient purchased steroids on a daily basis or in some cases within a few days after his last purchase. “It is to Mr. Brenton’s credit that he inquired of the dispensing doctor, and on more than one occasion,” the judge said.

However, the judge noted that the pharmacist can’t get rid of his responsibility by relying on reassurances from the doctor that the patient knows what he is doing and can handle it.

The Medical Board of Australia was already informed about the participation of the doctor. If found guilty similar sanctions might be imposed against him for allowing his patient to buy steroids beyond the patient’s medical needs.

Florida health officials dubbed the operation of a Jensen Beach pharmacy as one of the largest steroid supplier in the country. Their investigation together with the Drug Enforcement Agency revealed that the pharmacy was able to dispense thousands of anabolic steroids and human growth hormones in just a six month period.

The pharmacy is a legitimate business but their operation was shady because of the large number of steroid sales. According to health officials, they are filling prescriptions from doctors who have not conducted physical examinations on their patients.

Thousands of Anabolic Steroids and HGH

In the press release issued by the health authorities, the pharmacy dispensed at least 10,774 prescriptions for anabolic-androgenic steroids and HGH in a six-month period. Most of these steroid prescriptions were shipped outside of Florida and sent to clients in the Virgin Islands, Guam, Finland and Canada. The pharmacy, which is registered as Treasure Coast Specialty Pharmacy Inc., also dispensed 3,703 Schedule II substances mostly Oxycodone.

Doctors Signed Prescriptions without Physical Exam

Authorities also learned that doctors connected with the pharmacy signed prescriptions without physical examinations. These are mostly done through the internet. The almost 11,000 filled prescriptions for steroids and HGH came from 57 physicians and 30 of them came from Florida. The report also states that a Florida doctor signed almost half of the anabolic steroids and human growth hormones which were mostly shipped to international customers.

Internet based steroid suppliers recruited doctors to sign prescriptions for their online customers. They would, in turn, pay these doctors for every signed prescription. These online steroid businesses set up arrangement with pharmacies around the country. Based on the information gathered by the Department of Health, the Treasure Coast Pharmacy filled prescriptions for a Tennessee based clinic and from an online steroid seller in Kansas.

Prescriptions signed without consultation entail great risks. Doctors who signed online prescriptions can’t determine if the patient or client do have a legitimate medical need for the steroids. It is also difficult to determine the appropriate dosages and length of medication. Investigators also learned that some doctors self-prescribed steroid which is a violation of existing state laws.

Immediate closure of the Pharmacy

The DEA prohibits the pharmacy to dispense more steroids and HGH while health officials ordered an immediate closure of the pharmacy. Federal agents and local authorities confiscated several boxes of documents and other pertinent records from the pharmacy. A DEA spokesman told a local media that the raid is part of an on-going federal investigation and no arrests have been made. The owners of the pharmacy can still appeal the closure order according to the health department’s press release.

Pharmacy Linked to Steroid Cases

Online sources revealed that the Treasure Coast Pharmacy was implicated in other federal investigation specifically the case of Signature Pharmacy in Orlando. There was also another report that the pharmacy produced steroid candies which alarmed the DEA because it may land in the hands of children.

The said steroid candies allegedly contain the popular steroid Stanozolol. Discussion in bodybuilding forums also revealed that the said pharmacy dispense various anabolic steroids like topical and injectable testosterone, nandrolone, and stanozolol

It is a common knowledge that the internet is one of the primary sources of anabolic steroids. There are countless online stores selling various types of steroids and other performance enhancing substances. While an online purchase can be done in one click, many are still doing the traditional method, selling steroids directly to the buyers. For those people who want to earn more profit they use both strategies.

But not all are lucky enough in circumventing the law. Just recently, two persons were arrested by Canadian law enforcement officers for selling steroids to undercover operatives. The suspects were also alleged selling steroids in the internet using several social media sites.

Suspects were Teenagers

However, it becomes a concern for the authorities because the suspects are in their teens. Isaac Harvey Haack and Rachel Irene Krusto, both 19 years old, were arrested last weekend near a gas station in Nanaimo, BC. According to police reports, operatives arranged for an entrapment of the two suspects by purchasing steroids at the designated location. A search on their car revealed an undisclosed amount of steroids.

A follow up operation of the Nanaimo RCMP yielded more steroids. A search on the home of the suspect resulted to the seizure of 21 different kinds of anabolic steroids which was estimated to be around $6,400. Two laptop computers and cellphones were also confiscated because it may have been used by the suspects in selling steroids on the internet.

Used Social Networking Sites

A police spokesman told the media that Haack and Krusto were advertising in social networking sites to peddle and distribute the controlled substances. Authorities also estimated that the two were able to sell hundreds of pills to bodybuilding enthusiasts and had a customer base in Western Canada.

Anabolic steroids are very popular in the bodybuilding arena because it can help in the dramatic development of muscles and stamina. Many athletes, whether in the collegiate and high school level, are also using steroids in the hopes that it will help them become better athletes. But steroids are controlled substances and prohibited in almost all sports organizations.

Haack Suspended by the TimberMen

Haack is not an ordinary guy. It turned out that the suspect is an elite player in the Nanaimo Junior A Timbermen lacrosse team. According to Nanaimo head coach Dave Bremner, the team only learned about the incident when he was contacted by the media. Bremner said that they are concerned about the incident and the team immediately called a meeting with the players. It is not yet clear if other lacrosse players are involved in the illegal trade of Haack or they also purchased steroids from the suspect. Coach Bremner told the Nanaimo Daily News that lacrosse players in the Junior A level are not tested for steroids.

The B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League declined to comment on Haack’s case but insiders said the league will also conduct their own investigation on the matter.

Haack and Krusto Released on Bail

The teenagers were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking but were released after posting bail. Both are scheduled to appear at the Nanaimo provincial court on July 19.