Man charged and thousands of doses of steroids seized

A 33-year-old Chinese national has been charged with drug trafficking offences following the execution of search warrants across north Canberra yesterday.  

In December 2023 ACT Policing, Victoria Police and NSW Police disrupted Australia’s largest illegal steroid and controlled drug distribution network. This group was working out of both the ACT and Victoria.  

As part of ongoing investigations from that operation, a second criminal group was identified operating in the ACT. Police will allege this group was also promoting their illegal business through bodybuilding discussion forums and using encrypted messaging apps to facilitate the sales.  

Yesterday (Thursday, 25 July 2024) ACT Policing Drugs and Organised Crime Team, with the assistance of Australian Border Force officers executed search warrants in Flynn, O’Connor and Whitlam.  

At the O’Connor residence police located more than 59,000 thousand vials and 156,000 tablets of steroids and prescription drugs with an estimated value of at least $5 million. An extendable baton, cash and other items that supported the distribution of the drugs were also seized.  

At the Flynn home, two BMW vehicles were seized – suspected to have been purchased with the proceeds of crime.  

A 33-year-old Chinese national was arrested at the Flynn home and he was charged with 23 counts of supplying an anabolic steroid, 27 counts of supplying a declared substance, one count of attempting to supply anabolic steroids, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing the proceeds of crime, and failing to comply with a 3LA order. 

He is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Friday 26 July 2024) where bail will be opposed.  

The investigation is ongoing and further arrests may be made.  

Anyone who has information about the illegal sale and distribution of these drugs is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  Please quote 7516495. Information can be provided anonymously.  

Note for journalists: Footage and images in relation to this matter can be downloaded from Hightail (this link will expire in seven days). 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au