After organizing a well planned importation of almost two kilos of raw steroids, a Polish bodybuilder walks free from court. Mariusz Bak had been granted by the court a three year suspension of sentence at Omagh Crown Court for his two-year jail term.

Despite the guilty plea of Mariusz Bak of possessing class C steroids with intent to supply and import the drugs, Judge Geoffrey Miller QC stated that it appeared that Bak did not fully understand the potential harm of the unlicensed supply of steroids.

Possession of anabolic steroids for personal use is not illegal in the UK but distribution without license is illegal.

A Well-Organized and Well Planned Raw Steroid Importation

The arrest of Bak in September 2010 was a result of the interception of the officers from the UK Borders Agency and Customs and Excise. The officers seized 1.72 kilos of various bodybuilding powders at Heathrow Airport destined to be delivered at Bak’s home address in Dungannon. A metal press capable of making thousands of tablets a day and 13,000 printed labels were also seized by the officers.

The total estimated value of the steroids found could have been as much as £42,000 and the total cost of the drug paraphernalia was also estimated at £5,000.

Bak who is running a Dungannon gym at that time admitted importing the steroids but claimed that he only intend to use the tablet press in making protein tablets as a bodybuilding supplement. Protein supplements are one of the most popular aids of most bodybuilders in building muscles and strength.

However, authorities contend that the bodybuilder is really doing an illegal activity. Based on reports, an attempt to replenish the stock was discovered by the police only after two months of the arrest. There were orders of steroids found on Bak’s computer and mobile phone. Police said it appeared Bak was about to embark on taking his production to a higher level and eventually aim for a commercial scale.

It was also stated that there were uncovered receipt for the purchase of 1,086 glass vials and paper works for the delivery of steroids during searches of the 30-year-old’s home in Castleview Heights.

To aid in Bak’s defense, QC James Gallagher told the court that his client has been competing in high level bodybuilding and only aims to import steroid for personal use which is legal and sell it to his friends for no profit.

Authorities Working Hard to Nail Down Smugglers of Steroids

UK Border Agency Criminal and Financial Investigation, Assistant Director Malcolm Bragg said that this case sends out a message that his agency is serious in tackling those responsible for bringing illegal drugs into Britain.

He added that his people are working tirelessly to detect and prevent drugs from being smuggled into the country. They have long been working with full determination to combat illegal importation of steroids which could put the lives of many people at risk. Authorities said that once these steroids become available in local gyms, these can be easily purchased by anybody even those who are still minors.

Buying anabolic steroids is not illegal per se. These are being used as a treatment in many medical conditions. However, it becomes unlawful to buy or possess the drug if it is used for other purposes such as bodybuilding and improving skills in sports. Steroids are controlled substances so a prescription is generally required before you can buy one. However, up to this time, many are still confused about the legality of buying and possessing steroids.

Bodybuilder Using Steroids Charged

A bodybuilder from the UK recently pleaded guilty to illegal possession of anabolic steroids after he found out that the law prohibits its use for non-medical purposes. A Wiltshire newspaper reported that bodybuilder Graham McAdams initially pleaded not guilty to the offense because he believed importation and possession of anabolic steroids for personal use is not illegal. McAdams even cited an online drugs education website explaining that steroids possession is not a crime.

McAdams was charged for illegal possession of Class C drugs after the police raided his home last year. The raid resulted to the seizure of several types of anabolic steroids. The Wiltshire.co.uk website reported that authorities confiscated various steroids from McAdams’ residence in October last year.

Various Bodybuilding Steroids Found

Several boxes and pills were found by the raiding officers which were identified as anabolic steroids. The report stated that more than 20 boxes of steroids including more than 500 pills, and several vials were seized from McAdams. There were 15 boxes of different liquid steroids like testosterone, drostanolone, nandrolone, and boldenone. More than 500 caplets of Stanozolol were also found. 400 of these caplets contain the label Stromba 10. Another 8 boxes were identified as testosterone and several vials of Sustanol, another brand of testosterone.

According to the prosecution, all of the drugs confiscated by the authorities are Class C drugs. Prosecutor Richard Thomas confirmed that these substances are commonly used by bodybuilders and athletes to improve performance and physique. However, possession of these substances is still unlawful. This is aside from the health and behavior problems it can cause to the user.

Defendant Competing in Bodybuilding Events

The authorities are convinced that the steroids were for personal use of McAdams because he is active in bodybuilding competitions. Most of the steroids are used to build lean muscles. Nevertheless, he was still charged with seven counts of class C drugs possession.

The lawyer of McAdams told the court that the information on a government website is confusing. “The guidelines by the Government stated it was legal for him to possess it if it was a medical product,” said Amanda Thornton, lawyer of McAdams.

Although she admitted that as the case progresses, they learned that the use of anabolic steroids for bodybuilding is not considered as a valid medical treatment. This is the reason why they decided to plead guilty to the charges. The court sentenced McAdams to 12-month conditional discharge and required him to pay a fine of £85.

Even if anabolic steroids gained a negative reputation, authorities still records many incidence of importation and distribution of the said drug. This mean the demand for this performance enhancing drug is still high.

Sports organizations and anti-doping agencies around the world also discovered that syndicates are now venturing into the business of manufacturing and distributing anabolic steroids. Based from their investigations, the profit margin for steroid business is high that many of them abandoned the production of recreational drugs.

Illegal Importation of Steroids Doubled

In Australia, the incidence of illegal importation of steroids is on its peak. These are usually purchased from online stores and sent via postal services or private couriers. Authorities disclosed that many of these steroids came from the US, UK, Bulgaria, Thailand, Hongkong and China.

Figures from the Customs revealed that the amount of steroids being smuggled into Australia has more than doubled in the last 5 years. From the 1,054 seizures in the year 2004-05, the incidence skyrocketed to more than 155% last year. The Customs recorded 2,695 seizures of anabolic steroids and human growth hormones in 2010.

The discrete shipping and claims that the shipment can pass through customs also influences bodybuilders and other users to make purchases of steroids from other countries. A Customs spokesperson told the Daily Telegraph that the majority of the performance-enhancing drugs were purchased from internet sites outside of the country where drug laws are not strict.

Steroids are not only for Hardcore Bodybuilders

The use of androgenic anabolic steroids can’t be eradicated in the bodybuilding industry. Most bodybuilders rely on this drug becasue it dramatically enhances their physique. Anabolic steroids help in the faster development of lean muscles. It also provides extra energy and strength. This is the reason why bodybuilders can perform their routines without experiencing too much fatigue.

But hardcore bodybuilders are not the only market for these anabolic steroids. Recent studies found out that steroid use has been increasing in the general population including the young teens. Steroids are now used as an image enhancing drug. Teens who idolize movie stars or want to have a well developed body turn to steroids. In sports, young athletes are also tempted to use steroids to improve performance. In South Africa, sports authorities are worried about the high percentage of young athletes caught using PED’s.

US Taking the Lead against Abuse of PED’s

In the US, research also showed a very high number of high school students experimenting with steroids. This led to the adoption of comprehensive steroid testing programs in some states like Florida, Illinois, New Jersey and Texas. Other non-profit organizations are also helping the authorities curtail the use of PED’s in high schools. Some of these are the Taylor Hooton Foundation and the “I Play Clean” campaign of football HOF Dick Butkus.

Side Effects to Young Users

Health experts warn that anabolic steroids use by teenagers could result to severe side effects and complications. Some of these can lead to permanent disabilities. Abuse of steroids can result to stunted growth, heart and liver diseases. Long term use will result to various health problems such as gynecomastia, hair loss, deepening of the voice for women, depression, and infertility.

A French bodybuilder, who was held in custody last year when he visited Miami, admits that he illegally distributed steroids in the country. He pleaded guilty to the charges yesterday and waived a grand jury indictment.

French Moroccan Karim Mourahib, 30, was charged for illegally importing and distributing anabolic steroids. Mourahib is one of the 5 people being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration and other law enforcement agencies for running a steroid ring. The French national was responsible in the sourcing of steroids and finding suppliers using the internet.

Selling Steroids Online

According to the report of the Pittsburgh Gazette, Mourahib used the internet in selling these steroids and used several email addresses in communicating with prospect clients. He was also in charge of purchasing anabolic steroids in China as evidenced by several wire transfers to a man named Tingwin Wang of Shanghai.

The successful probe on Mourahib’s illegal activities was made by a former Pittsburgh police officer and currently working as an agent for the FDA. Agent Sean Grillo first contacted Mourahib through email in April 2010. Subsequent communication with the defendant leads to the successful purchase of steroids by Agent Grillo. A search of Mourahib’s email account led the authorities to thousands of messages discussing the distribution of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone to Pittsburgh customers and other areas.

French Bodybuilder Working with US Citizens

The French bodybuilder is not working alone in distributing these controlled substances in the country. In fact, Mourahib only acted as the salesman of the steroid ring. According to investigators, Mourahib ships the steroid packages to Chattanooga, Tennessee after purchasing it from a Chinese supplier. From Tennessee, the steroids are then shipped to Pittsburgh clients.

The Pittsburgh Gazette reported that a certain Jordan Robbs is being investigated for his participation in the illegal activity. Authorities identify at least 4 people who might be involved in the network but charges have yet to be made as investigation is still on-going.

Government agencies involved in this investigation are the Food and Drug Administration, the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Mourahib is still being held in federal custody while waiting for his sentencing on November.

Bodybuilder Cop Dismissed

Meanwhile, a police bodybuilder from Northumbria Police, UK was terminated from the service after his involvement in the purchase and possession of anabolic steroids. Sergeant Darren Towers was apprehended last year for allegedly conspiring with other defendants to supply steroids in the area. However, the court dismissed the case after Towers admitted that he only used the steroids for personal use. He claimed that he is active in bodybuilding competitions and needed the drugs to maintain his physique.

Towers has been in the bodybuilding since 1990’s. He told the court that he stopped taking the drug when he joined the police service but resumed taking steroids in 2006 when he started competing in bodybuilding competitions. He contends it is not illegal to use steroids for personal use after checking it on the internet.

However, the internal investigation of the Northumbria Police resulted to his dismissal from the force for gross misconduct. “Northumbria Police expects that officers and staff adhere to the highest possible standards of professional conduct,” said a spokeswoman from the police department. Towers disputes the decision and will file an appeal to overturn the decision of the Northumbria Police. He contends that the punishment is excessive.

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.

Protein supplements are among the most popular dietary supplements these days. It is said that these supplements improve athletic performance and also increase the effectiveness of regular exercise. Because of these positive effects, the selections of protein supplements that are offered in the market have also increased. However, it is important that you have a full understanding of this bodybuilding supplement before taking them.

The Right Dosage of Protein

Following the American Dietetic Association standards, an average healthy adult needs 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily. For instance, if you are 150 pounds, you need around 54 grams of protein a day. For endurance athletes, the daily protein recommendation must be increased to 0.55 to 0.65 grams per pound. This is to support the increased protein turnover while exercising to help improve athletic performance and strengthen the muscles. As you know, protein plays a very important role during exercise. It creates, sustains, and also repair muscle cells.

On the other hand, strength training athletes have a recommended daily allowance of 0.55 to 0.77 grams per pound. This higher protein recommendation along with adequate energy from carbohydrates can sustain muscles and support muscle growth as well.

Taking Protein Supplements

As a note, before taking protein supplements, it is recommended to get the protein needs of the body from food sources such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish, soy, and dairy products. Taking protein supplements ensure that you get an adequate amount of protein for your daily needs. This is especially true for busy people such as those who do not have the time to prepare a good meal at home.

There are different kinds of protein supplements such as soy, whey, and individual amino acid supplements. This product is also available in different forms such as protein powders. It is still best to get protein from a variety of sources instead of focusing on just one kind of supplement. This is because taking just one amino acid supplement can open risks for deficiencies. Other amino acid supplements such as proline and serine can cause adverse effects to your health.

When choosing a supplement, it is also essential that you make sure that it is safe for your consumption. Take note that some protein supplements can be contaminated with substances that are banned by certain associations such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This includes substances like DHEA, HGH, androstenedione, and ephedrine. This is often the reason why protein supplements are abused by athletes because most of the protein supplements are known to do well for muscle building and improving performance.

Misuse of Protein Supplements

A lot of athletes think that using protein supplements will help them improve athletic performance. The truth is this is not the function of supplements in the first place. They are there to ensure that you have an adequate amount of protein in the body. In fact, stopping the use of supplements usually does not pose a change in the way athletes perform.

The most common problem with protein supplements, however, is that they often times contain illegal substances that are not displayed in the label. This makes it possible for a lot of athletes to consume illegal substances without their knowledge. Worse, certain side effects can come in the picture such as nausea, vision trouble, liver problems, and a lot of other health risks.