3 Mexican firms plead guilty to selling steroids

July 10, 2007

SAN DIEGO — Three Mexico-based companies that manufactured anabolic steroids pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in the U.S. The three — Denkall, Quality Vet, and Animal Power — agreed to forfeit $1.4 million in profits.

The three used websites to attract customers in the U.S. Until late 2005, the three were the source of more than 75% of all Mexican steroids seized in the U.S., prosecutors said.

The businesses were indicted in December 2005 along with five other Mexican anabolic steroid manufacturers in what the Drug Enforcement Administration then called its largest operation against suppliers of the banned substances. According to the DEA, the steroid manufacturers tried to mask their intent by marketing their products for use in animals.

Messages left with defense attorneys were not immediately returned Monday.