Customs targets Olympics host country in steroids crackdown, By: Catharine Munro

October 1, 2006

AUSTRALIAN Customs is investigating trade in steroids as a growing area for organised crime.

Customs is targeting Olympics host China as the major source of the drugs.

Customs national manager of investigations Richard Janeczko said 12 operations to arrest dealers were underway. "We are working to stem what we believe is a growing attempt [by] Asian suppliers to flood Australia," Mr Janeczko said.

Last month officers seized $19,000 in cash, six litres of what is believed to be steroids and 100 vials of human growth hormone that had arrived by express mail from China. The haul was bound for Canberra and the Gold Coast.

An Australian man was arrested and charged with three counts of attempting to import the drugs. He faces a maximum fine of $110,000 and a five-year jail term.

Last week another man was charged with importing the drugs after officials found 150 vials of human growth hormone at his Newcastle home.

The crackdown follows a rise over the past six months in commercial quantities appearing at borders via the post and freight, Mr Janeczko said.