Anabolic steroids are not only prohibited in sports competitions but also in other type of work. They consider steroids just like those drugs classified as substance of abuse. Recreational drugs and performance enhancing drugs are not treated lightly by most organizations because of its possible side effects to the user. Recreational drugs are considered dangerous because of its addicting properties. On the other hand, anabolic steroids would result to other health conditions if used for longer period. Employees who will be tested positive for steroids will definitely be given sanctions which may include termination from the service.

The use of steroids in the law enforcement agencies is a typical example. There are many cases of police officers who were involved in the use of performance enhancing drugs. The usual reason- they want to be more effective in their jobs by becoming bigger and stronger.

Although they may have a good intention but it is still a clear violation of policies. If some of them were terminated from the service because of possession and use of anabolic steroids, there were also a few who were able to fight their case and avoid the stiff sanctions.

In Phoenix, a police officer who was fired last year because of a positive test for steroids was reinstated to the service. The city’s Police Civil Service Board ordered for the reinstatement of Officer Cedric Tillman. The Board opted for a lighter penalty which is a 5-day suspension. Tillman, who is already at his 40’s was tested positive for the metabolites of nandrolone. Although he denied that he intentionally used a performance enhancing drug, he admitted to taking supplements which he believes contained the banned substance.

According to the AP report, Tillman was a former wide receiver for the Arizona Rattlers football team. Phoenix police chief Jack Harris is disappointed on the decision of the Board. If the positive test was for other illegal drug, their decision could not have been questioned. As a former football player, Tillman could have ample knowledge about anabolic steroids. So saying that he was a victim of another company who failed to declare steroids or steroid like substances is a hard thing to believe.

Meanwhile, a NY State Corrections officer was sentenced to 5 years probation for selling steroids. Zachary Lazore, 23, of Yorkville, admitted during the trial that he sold steroids to clients including a police informant last year. The Oneida County Court did not impose prison time for the defendant because of his cooperation in the case.

Another respondent in the case, Peter Dinardo, 42, of Deerfield is scheduled for a trial later this month. Dinardo is also a corrections officer and was suspended without pay while the case is being heard. Lazore, on the other hand, was terminated last year from the service.

Many sports organizations around the world ban the use of performance enhancing drugs particularly anabolic steroids. This is due to the fact that steroids can help an athlete become a better player. Whatever their aims are, steroids can help them become stronger, bigger and faster. There are also some types that can improve hand and eye coordination of the athlete. In other words, anabolic steroids are not only used by athletes in the field of contact and physical sports but also in other sports like golf.

There are already several countries like the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom that puts anabolic steroids under the controlled substance category. This means it can only be used with valid prescription from a doctor and must be used only for medical purposes. Sports organizations have also implemented stringent policies against the use of anabolic steroids. In MLB for example, a first time violator will be given a 50-game suspension. This will affect the career of the athlete. In athletics, the minimum sanction is suspension from the sport for 2 years. There are already many athletes who suffered lifetime ban because of subsequent steroid use.

Even if there are strict regulations and policies, many professional athletes are still tempted to use performance enhancers. Their desire to excel in their chosen sports is the driving force why these athletes turn to steroids. They believe that these drugs are the only answer to their dreams. This is what happened to Tim Montgomery. His dream of becoming the fastest man in the world led him to the use of steroids. The first Olympian to be stripped of his medal, Ben Johnson, also faced the same fate.

Another reason why anabolic steroids are popular among athletes is the proliferation of many anabolic steroids sites. Most of them offers supplement products that promise better physique, improvement in endurance and stamina, stronger muscles and many more. Aside from the benefits they offer, the ease of purchasing these drugs online is a major factor. Instead of going to the pharmacy, purchasing from inline stores is as easy as 123. There are some online stores that can discretely deliver orders thus encouraging more athletes to purchase steroids online.

These online stores act as the immediate source of steroids. But there are some setbacks in relying too much on these online sites. First, you do not know if they are complying with the standards in manufacturing those drugs. There are already countless cases where anabolic steroids are manufactured at home laboratories and then sold online. The potency of each drug or supplement is not reliable anymore. The buying public could also be a victim of fly-by-night websites wherein there is no available after sales support, no clear returns policy and the worst is no physical store or office. If you have problems with the product, there’s nobody who can be held liable.

Again, professional athletes will forever live with the temptation of using anabolic steroids as long as there will be steroid sites offering products to gain competitive advantage and give them the assurance that they will win their game.

Illegal manufacturing and distribution of anabolic steroid is one of the perennial problems of the federal authorities as well as local enforcement agencies. Aside from the unauthorized production of these drugs, it is also unsafe for the consuming public. Since anabolic steroids are controlled substances, manufacturing of these drugs are only given to licensed pharmaceutical companies. If there are some cases where supplement products of some pharma companies are tainted with steroids ingredients or steroid-like substances, it is more dangerous to patronize products from illegal sources. It is common for these illegal manufacturers to undeclare some harmful ingredients or increase the dosages to make it more potent.

In Ohio, the DEA and local enforcement agencies joined together to end a large scale steroid manufacturing and distribution center in the Perrysburg area. It is so far the largest seizure by the authorities where the amount of anabolic steroids seized from the suspect could reach up to $1 million. After a few months of investigation, Greg Kreuz, 39 of Perrysburg was arrested for illegal manufacturing of anabolic steroids and distribution of these drugs in the area. “We’ve been working on it for quite a few months, and the investigation led to enough probable cause to get a search warrant and an arrest warrant,” said Perrysburg Deputy Police Chief Mike Gilmore.

Kreuz is currently held in Wood County jail and his bond is set at $250,000. The initial charges against Kreuz include two counts of possession of drugs and one count of manufacturing drugs. The search at his home steroid laboratory revealed large volume of steroids. “This was primarily a distributor, but the charges haven’t come to that yet,” said Police Chief Gilmore. “We haven’t gotten to his computer yet. We haven’t gotten to his customers,” he added. Authorities believe that the distribution of steroids could be beyond the Perrysburg area. Additional charges may be filed once the investigators gather more information from the suspect and the computer seized from him could unlock the extent of operation of Kreuz.

The authorities did not reveal the type of steroids seized from the suspect. The common customers of these drugs are bodybuilders and professional athletes. Though this helps in the development of muscles and strength, abuse of anabolic steroids could lead to serious health problems such as heart diseases, liver damage, gynecomastia, depression and other complications.

With the amount of anabolic steroids confiscated by the authorities, Kreuz may not be alone in this steroid operation. Others may be involved in the illegal operation which could be statewide or international in scope. According to a drug counselor, the home based operation of steroid production is not uncommon. Although it is a controlled substance, it can be purchased just like a pack of gum. It can be ordered through the internet or by phone and have it delivered to your home.

Kreuz’ neighbors were surprised of his alleged involvement in illegal manufacture of anabolic steroids at his home. Carl Ryan of Toledo Blade interviewed some of Kreuz’ neighbors and most of them said that they did not noticed any unusual activities at the suspect’s home. Kreuz is a nice guy and a very quiet man. A resident in the area who once cleaned Kreuz’ house never saw any pill, capsules or injectables which are typical form of steroids.

People selling and distributing controlled substances have always been thinking of new ways on how to avoid being caught by the authorities. As we cover steroid related news, there were already cases where some people or individuals tried to hide their illegal operations by adopting unconventional strategies. Two months ago an individual was caught manufacturing anabolic steroids at a hotel room. He rented the room for the sole purpose of manufacturing and packaging the steroids to be distributed in the area. In some instances, a legal business is used to cover up the illegal manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs.

In New Jersey, police uncovered a new technique in selling prescription drugs and other drugs classified as a substance of abuse. They dubbed it as a pharmacy on wheels. Albina Sportelli of NorthJersey.com reported that the Jersey police were able to apprehend two women allegedly peddling various prescription drugs including anabolic steroids. The two women were inside a 2009 BMW at a parking lot. When the officers asked for their identification, a bottle of injectable steroid was spotted when one of the women opened her purse to show the officers her identification.

Detective Capt. Robert Rowan identified them as Jennifer Nicer, 31, of Astoria and Layla Nazari, 23, of Montclair, Queens, N.Y. The two women were arrested and charge with possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). A further search on their car revealed two suitcases full of different drugs. This is aside from the plastic bags the officers said were full of various pills which were later identified as crystal meth, Xanax, and ecstasy.

After obtaining a search warrant, Passaic County Sheriff’s Department helped in the search by using a sniffer dog. The two suitcases found on the car contain several pills, syringes, steroids, glass pipes and other prescription drugs without prescriptions. “There are also lots of other pills that have not been identified yet,” said Rowan. He commended the apprehending officers for a great job in getting these drugs off the street.

Authorities suspect that the two women were targeting students from a nearby school. Several charges were filed against Nazari and Nicer. They were charged with possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, distribution of CDS in a school zone, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic syringes.

On the other hand, a group used a student to sell their steroids to high school students in Fla. It’s good that the authorities were able to stop this illegal steroid operation. The romenews-tribune reported that the steroid dealer suspected of supplying students of Calhoun High School was already arrested. Justin Wood Pitcock, 21, of 103 Vernon Road, Armuchee, was arrested together with two other men in Gordon County after a two month investigation. Authorities said that they were able to confiscate $10,000 worth of anabolic steroids.

The other suspects were Corey Biggers, 22, of 460 Rosedale Road, Floyd County and Bradley Barto, 25 of 561 W. Cypress Ave., Springs, Fla. They were charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids. Based on court records, Biggers is the supplier of a student caught selling anabolic steroids in the Calhoun High School while Pitcock supplied Biggers with the stuff.

We always heard of steroid cases involving police officers. Most of them used the drugs in the belief that it could help them improve their physique and become more effective law enforcement officers. And now, steroids and growth hormones also seep into a federal agency which is supposed to enforce the law on illegal entry of prohibited and controlled substances. Though this may be considered as an isolated incident but the involvement of some federal agents into unlawful acts could ruin the reputation of their agency.

The Seattle Times reported recently that a federal agent pleaded guilty for importing human growth hormone from China. The former agent worked with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Blaine. The spokeswoman for the ICE, Lorie Dankers confirmed to the media that Sean Patrick Ganley, 37, of Bellingham previously worked with the agency. Dankers said that Ganley was a former Tacoma police officer and is not connected anymore with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. She also declined to give additional information on the employment records of Ganley because of the on-going trial.

The case was filed against Ganley after customs agents in the JFK International Airport in New York discovered a package containing human growth hormone which originated from Beijing. In April 2008, the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations officially filed charges against the federal agent. It was also revealed that Ganley intentionally used fictitious information in purchasing steroids from China. He used a false telephone number and a fake address when he sent money to China three times.

Anabolic steroids and human growth hormones can be can be used for some medical condition and can be purchased with valid prescription from a doctor. However, importation of these controlled substances is illegal. In the case of Ganley, the prosecution is expecting that he will be sentenced the maximum jail term of 10 years. This is aside from other possible penalties that may be imposed by the court such as community service and fines. He may be given a fine of up to $500,000.

James McDevitt, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington in Spokane handled the case to avoid a potential conflict of interest since Ganley had worked with federal prosecutors in Seattle. “We expect the utmost honesty and integrity of our federal law-enforcement officers,” said McDevitt. He said that erring federal agents will not be tolerated. “It will not be tolerated when they break the very laws they are sworn to uphold,” he said. A U.S. District Court in Seattle is expected to make the sentencing on Sept. 13.

This case should serve as a lesson to law enforcement officers. Even though they are given the power to enforce the law, its application does not exclude them. Law enforcement officers should think twice in buying steroids or human growth hormone even if their purpose is to improve job performance.

Bodybuilders and professional athletes are not the only one using anabolic steroids. It has already infiltrated some of the police department in the country. One of the main reasons in involving themselves into the use of steroids is to cope up with the nature of their job. Maintaining great physique, strength and endurance are just some of the qualities a police officer should have. They see anabolic steroids as the main solution to this. Though this may help them to be more effective in their job but they are violating some rules and policies. Taking steroids without any medical justification are not allowed in the police service, however many are still taking the chances even if the risk include losing their jobs.

This month alone, 3 police officers were charged with illegal possession of anabolic steroids and drug paraphernalia. They are members of the Akron Police Department and all of them served the police force for more than 10 years. According to Police Capt. Daniel D. Zampelli, the involved officers were Sgt. Shawn Boal, Patrolman Paul Achberger and Patrolman Anthony Sutton.

Boal and Achberger were both assigned to the night shift patrol. Boal was charged with one count of felony for possessing drug of abuse. Reports said that the sergeant was found in possession of large quantities of anabolic steroids. Achberger on the other hand was charged with one misdemeanor for possessing anabolic steroids and drug paraphernalia specifically hypodermic needles. The third officer, Sutton was also charged for similar offense, possession of steroids and instruments for drug use.

According to the report of WKYC News, further details were withheld while the investigation is still ongoing. The Akron Police Department did not identify the type of anabolic steroids found on the 3 police officers. The department already put those officers involved on administrative leave with pay.

In Oklahoma, a former Creek Nation Lighthorse Division officer was sentenced to 24 months of probation with 4 months home detention. The police officer was indicted by a federal grand jury in August for charges related to possession with the intent of distributing anabolic steroids. Officer Jimmy Russell Hamm II purchased anabolic steroids while he was on duty and using a patrol unit according to the report. The case was handled by U.S. District Judge Ronald A. White.

Meanwhile, Hillsborough Township police officers were able to arrest 2 people for importing anabolic steroid stanozolol. Scott R. Jacquish, 32, of Brennan Way in Hillsborough and David M. Reynolds 31, of Amwell Road in Clover Hill were arrested following an undercover operation by various federal agencies. An international package addressed to defendant Scott R. Jacquish which allegedly contain quantities of the anabolic steroid Strombaject (Stanozolol) was intercepted by custom officers on June 4. A joint investigation composed of agents from customs, drug enforcement agency, Hillsborough Township Police, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the United States Postal Inspectors lead to the arrest of Jacquish and Reynolds.

Both were charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and an attempt to possess a controlled dangerous substance. While authorities are still gathering more information on the case, the defendants were released on their own recognizance.