DrugsNews

Jail time for steroid importer using the postal system

A 38-year-old Western Australian man has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for 11 separate importations of anabolic and androgenic steroids.

The man pleaded guilty to seven counts of importing tier 1 goods without approval, contrary to section 233BAA(4) of the Customs Act 1901.

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected the steroids at different postal gateway facilities throughout Australia. The steroids had been concealed inside food and cleaning items.

ABF officers executed multiple Customs Act warrants in relation to the importations at a number of Western Australian properties in the Byford, Baldivis and the Darch regions.

The warrants resulted in the location and seizure of anabolic and androgenic substances and a significant amount of items indicating the manufacture and sale of the steroids. This included $13,600 in cash, vials, scales, micro-filters and commercially produced steroid labels.

Acting Commander Operations West Shaun Senior said the ABF takes the importation of prohibited drugs seriously and will pursue legal action to ensure offenders face the full force of the law.

“Performance and image enhancing drugs, such as steroids, are regulated in Australia for very good reasons as they can have serious health impacts for users,” Acting Commander Senior said.

“Criminals who attempt to import these types of substances should understand, no matter where or how you hide it, the ABF will detect the concealment and bring you to justice.”