In 2005, authorities raided a Deerfield Beach pharmaceutical company for illegal prescriptions of controlled substances particularly anabolic steroids. Important records were seized from the PowerMedica pharmacy which led to the charges filed on several people running the pharmacy. The CEO of the pharmacy was sentenced to 48 months in prison while its president was given an 18-month sentence.

Doctors who were involved in the illegal prescriptions were also sentenced for their involvement in the operation. Dr. Manuel Sanguily and Dr. James D’Amico both pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally distribute steroids and human growth hormone. Sanguily was sentenced to 30 months in prison while D’Amico received 51 months jail term.

The owners of PowerMedica admitted that they were filling prescriptions for illegal purposes. Most of the prescriptions filled by the pharmacy were used in bodybuilding, athletics, and anti-aging. They also signed orders without meeting, talking to or making reviews of the medical records of the customer. The pharmacy was also manned by untrained or unlicensed staffs who were dealing with the customers.

Several Deputies Purchased Steroids from PowerMedica

Though the case of PowerMedica is considered closed, authorities are now looking into the customers of the famous Deerfield Beach pharmacy in Florida. In 2008, an investigation was initiated because of the possible involvement of several Broward Deputies who allegedly purchased steroids from the pharmacy. The names of at least 26 officers were identified as customers of the now defunct pharmacy.

Based on the initial investigation, these deputies obtained the steroids or human growth hormones through fraudulent means. That means they were able to purchase steroids even without valid prescriptions. Instead of using these drugs for medical conditions, they used it for bodybuilding purposes.

What Happened to the Findings?

BSO Sgt. Lisa McElhaney conducted the investigation in 2008 but after submitting her findings, there were no actions taken against BSO deputies who were involved in illegal purchases of steroids. The state attorney’s office is now questioning the Broward Sheriff Office’ failure to act on the case. A former state prosecutor told the South Florida Times that BSO attorneys told him they could not proceed with the case because the time had already lapsed. “We were also concerned about possible criminal violations by law enforcement. To ignore this is the same as sanctioning it, by being aware and not doing anything,” said John Hanlon.

“This is outrageous and I am very upset,” Broward County Public Defender Howard Finkelstein also told the online newspaper. “They had this information and sat on it all these years. It’s dishonest, it’s corrupt, and it will not be tolerated.”

According to Finkelstein, the 26 deputies who purchased steroids from PowerMedica and other pharmacies in the area were witnesses in at least 182 closed cases and on 55 cases his agency is defending right now. If information about the deputies were turned over to them under the Brady rule, it could have been a great help in their cases. He is seeking for the dismissal of the current cases and would ask for re-opening of the closed cases. This issue could lead to the intervention of the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate possible civil rights violations. A special prosecutor could also be assigned to look into the case of these deputies.

Sheriff’s office Still Mum on the Issue

Up to this time, BSO officials are not disclosing relevant information about their investigation on the involved deputies. They are not commenting on the issue why the cases of these officers were put into shelves. The pharmacy owners and doctors who might have provided them access to steroids have already pleaded guilty to felonies related to steroid distribution and prescription.

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.

A man was caught in possession of an anabolic steroid called Fluoxymesterone. As a result he was sentenced to one year probation and required to pay more than $1,000 fine. Some would think that this is too much penalty for mere possession of an anabolic substance. However, in this case, the person involved is a police officer. Robert P. Kusmack, 34 is a Paw Paw police officer who bought anabolic steroid from a gym owner in Paw Paw, Michigan last year. His involvement in the use of a performance enhancing drug cost his job. He was terminated from the service last May.

Kusmack was arrested by the authorities March of last year when Aaron DiPrima, the owner of Strength Beyond gym in Paw Paw, delivered to him the steroids. According to the report of MLive, DiPrima already pleaded guilty last year for possession of an analogue and was sentenced to one year probation and 60 hours of community service. He also agreed to cooperate with the investigators and in testifying against Kusmack.

Another witness helped the authorities initiate an investigation on Kusmack. Tom Radke, who provided the police with information about the transaction of DiPrima and Kusmack, was also charged for possessing anabolic steroids. Authorities found steroids in Radke’s home when they conducted a raid last year. Radke also told the investigators that a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer was involved. Fred Milton Jr. resigned from his job when a disciplinary action is being initiated against him.

Kusmack pleaded no contest to possession of a non-narcotic controlled substance last month and Judge Paul E. Hamre of Van Buren County Circuit Court gave the verdict on April 18. If the former Paw Paw police officer successfully completed the probation, his conviction will be removed from the criminal records.

The use of anabolic steroids is not allowed in the police force especially if it is used without valid prescription. However, most officers who want to improve their physique turn to steroids hoping it will make them more effective in performing their jobs. What makes Fluoxymesterone a choice for some bodybuilders? Fluoxymesterone or commonly known as halotestin is a type of steroid with strong androgenic properties. It helps them increase strength and stamina. This steroid is primarily used to treat male hypogonadism, breast neoplasms in women, and delayed puberty in males. Halotestin is usually taken for a few weeks only because of its potency.

Meanwhile, another officer pleaded guilty to illegal possession of steroids. Brian Potance, a former Northampton County corrections officer, received 2-year probation and fined $1,000. He was one of the six people allegedly involved in steroid ring in Lehigh Valley, PA. They were busted in the second wave of “Operation Road Runner.”

Potance was dismissed as a correction officer last year. He was involved in a small scale steroid distribution network in the area together with other suspects who were also sentenced to 2-year probation. The case of a gym owner and promoter of bodybuilding competition in Lehigh Valley is still being heard in court.

According to reports, Potance purchased the steroids online and conspires with others in distributing the steroids to buyers. During the investigation, an informant was able to buy more than $1,000 worth of steroids from one of his partners. A raid also led to the seizure of more than 2,300 pills and 300 bottles of steroids. The attorney general’s office told the Morning Call that the lighter penalty given to the accused is still within the standard range for the crimes they pleaded guilty to.

We commonly hear cases of law enforcement officers being involved in the sale, distribution or use of steroids. But the case of a Contra Costa County anti-narcotics officer is a little bit different. He was charged early this month for stealing confiscated drugs and then sold it with the help of his friend. The drugs were seized by CNET or the County Narcotics Enforcement Team during their anti-drugs operation in the area. The Department of Justice, which conducted the investigation, found out that the head of the CNET was involved in the loss and disappearance of drugs which are supposed to be used as evidences in filing cases against drug dealers.

CNET commander Norman Wielsch, 49, was relieved of his post because of the drug sales, drug transportation, drug possession and conspiracy charges. The anti-narcotics head was charged with 28 felony counts in relation to his alleged theft and sale of anabolic steroids, methamphetamines, marijuana, and prescription pills Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug. The prosecutors also said that Wielsch stole chemicals that can be used to produce methamphetamines.

Wielsch was already arraigned in a Contra Costa County Court and was out on $400,000 bail. Michael Cardoza, the lawyer of Wielsch, told the media that his client is helping the authorities with their investigation. “He made a mistake, and he stepped up to the plate after he got caught. He’s accepted early responsibility for his actions,” Cardoza said. One of the reasons that could have forced Wielsch to commit the crime is his financial problem. According to his lawyer, the officer’s daughter was required to undergo a bone marrow transplant and his debts may have caused him to find money through illegal means.

A friend of Wielsch and a former police officer was also charged as co-conspirator. Christopher Butler, 49 is also facing the same number of charges and is being held for $900,000 bail. Butler served the Antioch police force before he decided to manage his own private investigation agency in 1997. Both are expected to return to court on March 2 to enter pleas.

Court record showed that Wielsch sold at least $5,000 worth of marijuana and steroids in one transaction. In another instance, the anti-narcotics agent sold $10,000 worth of methamphetamine. Investigators also found out that there was an instance Wielsch went to Butler’s office where the alleged illegal transaction took place.

Right now, the entire CNET was put on a hiatus because of the incident. According to District Attorney Mark Peterson, officials are now conducting internal review of the drug handling procedures of the anti-narcotics group. “We want to see why this happened and make sure it never happens again,” Peterson told the media. “One person, if they’re really motivated to do some bad things is very difficult to stop. But we can put some procedures in place to make it more difficult to do that,” he added.

Top ranking officers of the anti-narcotics bureau knows that the incident will affect the perception of the people towards their agents. How can they trust law enforcement officers if they are the ones redistributing these anabolic steroids and other controlled substances to the general public?

He worked as a cop but later ventured into the lucrative business of selling steroids and human growth hormones. However, former police officer Anthony Forgione, 46 was caught by the authorities distributing steroids and HGH illegally. Forgione pleaded guilty this month at a U.S. District Court in Palm Beach County, Fla. for federal crimes of distribution of human growth hormone, distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

The 15 counts federal indictment could result to a life sentence for the former NYPD and Boca Raton cop but the guilty plea will shorten his jail term and penalty. The sentencing is scheduled on March 25 in West Palm Beach.

After working as a police officer, Forgione established Infinity Longevity, a wellness clinic in Boca Raton and later in Delray Beach, Florida. According to the report of the Times Union, Forgione’s clinic offers hormone replacement therapy with one employee named Dr Gary Brandwein, an osteopath physician. Court records showed that Forgione paid Brandwein $11,000 a month for his services.

Brandwein allegedly make fraudulent prescriptions for clients. He seldom requires clients to undergo physical examinations before prescribing the drugs. Anabolic steroids and human growth hormones can be prescribed to patients with legitimate medical conditions. If it is prescribe for other reasons, the doctor will violate federal laws.

Forgione and Brandwein were already implicated in the Albany investigation. They both pleaded guilty to drug charges filed by Albany prosecutors headed by Albany County District Attorney David Soares. Forgione received probation for three felony charges. This was related to his connection with an Orlando based compounding pharmacy that was involved in selling illegally prescribed steroids and human growth hormones. Forgione admitted that he sold steroids and human growth hormones to clients in Albany through mail. The prescriptions were allegedly filled by the Signature Compounding Pharmacy in Orlando.

The case of the Signature Pharmacy is still on going in Albany. However, federal prosecutors in Florida already dropped the charges against the pharmacy owners. The owners also filed counter charges to the prosecutors and police officers who raided their business in 2007. The owners alleged that the Albany prosecutors violated their rights and asked for damages. Chief Prosecutor Soares was previously removed from the case but was able to get a favorable ruling after his appeal. Soares was reinstated in the case and all the charges against the owners and employees of the pharmacy are still in effect.

However, Forgione’s case in Florida does not implicate the Signature Pharmacy. Another pharmacy was involved which according to the authorities replaced Signature’s role in filling questionable prescriptions. The company is Treasure Coast Pharmacy located in Martin County, Fla.

The Times Union revealed that Forgione was fired from his job as a police officer due to allegations that he used anabolic steroids. Florida State Department records also showed that the former cop neglected his duty because of his bodybuilding activities.

Federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) have intensified their campaign against the sale of illegal anabolic steroids. But it seems they have to exert more effort in curtailing the proliferation of products that contains potent steroid ingredients. Anybody can still purchase steroids from online sources easily. And guess what, you can have one from your favorite online retailer Amazon.com. This was recently revealed by the country’s top steroid expert Don Catlin.

Don Catlin and his son told the Washington Post that they were able to purchase at least 10 muscle enhancing products from reputable online retailer Amazon.com. These muscle building dietary supplements were purportedly legal supplements. The Anti-Doping research Lab based on Los Angeles tested 4 of these products for steroid content and 3 returned positive results. Oliver Catlin, the vice president and chief financial officer of the laboratory said that these products should not be available to the general public. “Finding them a mouse-click away from the general public seems incredibly dangerous. These things shouldn’t be sitting at people’s fingertips,” he said.

The Catlin’s already provided the FDA, DEA and the online retailer about their findings. They are worried about the ingredients of some of the supplements tested because it contains potent steroids which can cause serious health problems. “They certainly shouldn’t be at the fingertips of high school students and so forth, and they are there available to anyone.” said Oliver.

Catlin noticed that the online retailer did not impose any restrictions to buyers of these anabolic steroid products. There was no age or other ordering restrictions before an individual can purchase steroids. The site, according to them, did not provide any health warnings. “To me, it’s absolutely an amazing story.. to just go on Amazon.com and order anabolic steroids,” said Don Catlin, CEO of the Anti-Doping lab.

Another finding that authorities must take immediate action is about the quality of the supplements offered in the online store. Catlin said that none of the products tested were of medical-grade quality. Aside from the usual side effects of these steroids, the consumer may also suffer from other health problems.

Based on the lab results, supplement products from Competitive Edge Labs showed traces of potent steroids Madol, Tren and Methasterone. It was found on P-Plex, X-Tren and M-Drol. However, the manufacturer claimed that they already discontinued the production of these supplements a year ago. In 2009, the FDA requested the recall of at least 65 steroid products due to health concerns. But Catlin argued that the products that they purchased had fresh expiration dates.

Some supplement manufacturers spiked their products with steroids to make it more effective in muscle building. However, putting anabolic steroid on these dietary supplements is illegal. Methastherone for example can lead to adverse side effects like liver failure. It was already in the prohibited list of the World Anti-doping Agency. The steroid Methastherone is also popular as methyldrostanolone, Superdrol and M-Drol. Variation of this steroid is also available from other online retailers.

Another potent steroid found was Madol. This steroid is under the DEA’s controlled substance list but it is still commonly found in other health supplements. Madol was first identified during the BALCO scandal as one of the designer steroids developed during that time.

These products are not the only supplements being offered in the online store. Though, Catlin said that only one product was shipped directly from Amazon’s warehouse, their retailers have enough supply of these steroids. “There’s a million other products on sale on Amazon that are similar to the ones we analyzed,” said Oliver. “It’s an easy place to shop and look for these things. They remain widely available.” The SeattleWeekly also reported that steroid supplements such as P-Plex, Finaflex, and Phera-Plex are still available from Amazon.

Meanwhile, Amazon.com has not issued any comment on this allegation.