Steroids worth millions of dollars seized and three people arrested in state’s largest-ever gym drug bust
Millions of dollars worth of steroids have been seized and three people arrested after police busted the largest syndicate of its kind in Victoria.
Police on Friday uncovered a “sophisticated” drug ring after a months-long investigation into reports that steroids and other prescription drugs were circulating in Melbourne gyms.
Police allege two men bought drugs from an overseas supplier and resold them online from a gym in Port Melbourne.
They are said to have hundreds of clients, including some with links to organized crime.
Metro North West Regional Crime Squad detectives arrested two men, aged 27 and 32, following a seven-month investigation.
A search of their Docklands flats allegedly uncovered several distribution centers containing millions of dollars worth of illegal steroids and drugs. Police also seized $130,000 in cash.
Police on Friday uncovered a “sophisticated” drugs ring after a months-long investigation into reports that steroids and other prescription drugs were circulating in Melbourne gyms.
The amount of drugs seized was so large that detectives will have to return to the address a second time to collect the rest of the evidence.
Investigators subsequently searched a gym in Port Melbourne where they also found a large quantity of illegal steroids.
A fifth warrant, executed at a property in Flemington, turned up a further $45,000 in cash and more illegal steroids.
The two men will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court today, Saturday.
They are charged with a number of offences, including dealing in prescription drugs for commercial purposes, dealing in anabolic steroids, dealing in diazepam and knowingly dealing in proceeds of crime.
A 37-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with possession of methylamphetamine. She will appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 26, 2024.
Police allege two men bought drugs from an overseas supplier and resold them online from a gym in Port Melbourne.
Victoria Police said it would take investigators several days to count and weigh the drugs and cash, but the stash was believed to be worth millions of dollars.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said the steroid bust was the state’s largest ever.
“We have discovered a state-of-the-art drug distribution center – the largest in Victoria,” he said.
“What has come to our attention is that they are allegedly selling drugs to organized crime figures and not only profiting from this, but also contributing to their luxurious lifestyle.
“The community may think that dealing with performance-enhancing drugs is harmless, but we are looking at the bigger picture here, which is to target all aspects of organized crime, including the people associated with it.
Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said the steroid bust was the largest the state had ever seen.
“We want this to send a message to those dealing with people with links to organized crime. If you are connected (even in the slightest way), the likelihood of your activities being detected increases.
“This work is aimed at limiting the networks and connections of organized crime figures. We want those who harm our community to feel pressure from all sides.
“Medicines should be provided by accredited doctors and pharmacists, not by personal trainers at the gym.”
On Friday, ACT Police also executed a number of warrants and arrested a group of people believed to be involved in the syndicate.
NSW Police also executed a number of drug-related warrants.
More charges are expected to be filed.