Spanish raids dent dope distribution network
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Jun. 1, 2005
Spanish police have arrested 70 people, breaking up a drugs network that made and trafficked anabolic steroids for sports use.
According to the Interior Ministry, six drug manufacturing laboratories were raided in north-eastern Catalonia province where police discovered 30 million products, including the stimulants EPO, clenbuterol and nandrolone following an undercover investigation dubbed “Operation Mammoth.”
Although the products are designed to increase muscle mass they can have potentially lethal side effects.
The products were destined for sale to gyms, sports and fitness clubs at prices far lower than the market norm, the station added.
Only two of the labs had an operating licence and were directing part of their production towards the underground market.
Some had a capacity of 20,000 doses per hour of anabolic steroids and hormonal treatments, the ministry said.
It added that the “high quality” but synthetic products were destined for distribution in Spain but also “various EU countries.”
Police took away assorted equipment, including weightlifting benches, as well as 200,000 euros ($326,000) in cash and impounded several luxury vehicles.
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