Europol-led operation smashes rogue steroid laboratory network

A European-led law enforcement operation has pulled off a major coup – by targeting every level of the illegal anabolic steroid industry worldwide.

Globally, 92 arrests have been made, along with the seizure of 16 rogue steroid laboratories, 135,000 steroid dosage units, 636 kilograms of raw steroid powder plus $2 million in US currency and other assets.

The joint investigations by Europol and the US Drug Enforcement Administration has hit every branch of the illegitimate trade – from the manufacturers in China to the traffickers who market the deadly doses in Europe and beyond.

Operation Underground, which unified police action from 15 EU Member States and partners in Australia, Iceland, Switzerland, Interpol as well as the World Doping Agency, was run in conjunction with 36 different US investigations in 20 states under Operation Cyber Juice.

Throughout the operation, Europol worked closely with law enforcement partners in Cyprus, Italy and Belgium while, in the case of Iceland, co-operation resulted in financial investigations that traced back the monetary flows to China.

Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol, said: “This international law enforcement action was accomplished through the co-operation of multiple agencies committed to the single goal of identifying and dismantling a lucrative criminal enterprise.

“Europol will continue its successful co-operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the World Doping Agency to eliminate this crime that spans across the globe and cyberspace”.

The seized goods are often found in steroid laboratories which harbour raw ingredients, equipment and instructions on how to make complex, illicit and potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals.

The products are commonly obtained over the Internet from Chinese chemical manufacturing companies and underground laboratories.