North Carolina Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Anabolic Steroids

http://7thspace.com/headlines/419399/north_carolina_man_charged_with_conspiracy_to_distribute_anabolic_steroids_.html

Peter J Smith, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania; George Venizelos, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Philadelphia Division; Vito Guarino, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Philadelphia Field Division; and Keith Fixel, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, Charlotte, North Carolina Division, jointly announced that an information was filed today charging Adrian Domnas, 41, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute anabolic steroids, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, section 846. Domnas faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $500,000. This case arose as part of an 18-month online undercover investigation conducted by the FBI, DEA, and Postal Inspection Service targeting steroid forums used to unlawfully produce and distribute black market pharmaceuticals. Domnas shipped steroids through the mail to undercover investigators in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on multiple occasions.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of drug trafficking proceeds and tens of thousands of units of anabolic steroids. The investigation also resulted in the prosecution of persons in multiple federal judicial districts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S Houser. An indictment or information is not evidence of guilt but simply a description of the charge made by the grand jury and/or United States Attorney against a defendant.

A charged defendant is presumed innocent until a jury returns a unanimous finding that the United States has proven the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt or until the defendant has pled guilty to the charges. 

Reported by: FBI

Inter-agency operation nets cash and pills

Thursday, 24 May, 2012 - 12:28
http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/25812-interagency-operation-nets-cash-and-pil.html

An operating pill press, performance and image enhancing drugs, prescription medicines and a large sum of cash were amongst items seized in a series of inter-agency searches of properties across the country this week.

Waikato Crime Services Supervisor, Detective Senior Sergeant Nigel Keall, said the searches of properties in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch were carried out by Police, Customs and Medsafe investigators as part of Operation Adder.

"Operation Adder involved staff from each of the Government agencies and centred on the investigation into a group who are alleged to have been importing the illicit drugs 4MEC and MDPV, performance and image enhancing drugs and prescription medicines."

"These commodities are pressed into pills or repackaged and sold to customers across the country for considerable profit."

Mr Keall said of particular concern for medical experts was these drugs were being sold with amateur advice as to their use and dosage with little regard for potential consequences.

"Clients also received guidance around drug testing and what substances could be used to avoid positive test results for those involved in high level sport."

"A search of a Hamilton address revealed several kilograms of 4MEC, anabolic steroids, prescription medicines and $178,000 cash. A search of a storage unit in the City revealed the group's pill press and large quantities of, at this stage, unidentified powders."

It is estimated the press had the capacity to produce more than 5000 pills an hour.

"The colour of the pills and logo could be altered to accommodate specific orders and an Auckland based Police Clandestine Laboratory Team has assisted in the safe examination and dismantling of this facility."

"As a result of our enquiries a Hamilton man has been arrested and will appear in the Hamilton District Court today on charges of importing, selling and possession for supply of 4MEC and MDPV."

In Auckland searches of properties located more unidentified pills and performance and image enhancing drugs resulting in the arrest of two men who were charged with Offering to Supply 4MEC.

"In addition to this Christchurch search teams located large quantities of performance and image enhancing drugs and other yet to be identified powders."

"We anticipate further arrests will be made pending results of scientific analysis of the unidentified powders and prescription medicines."

"4MEC and MDPV are Class C Controlled drugs. 4MEC is now the most common substance identified in Ecstasy pills in New Zealand. It has been identified in a number of critical hospital admissions."

"It is estimated that this group is responsible for importing in excess of 21 kilograms of 4MEC. This is sufficient to manufacture over 200 000 pills at a standard street value of $40 each." ($8 Million).

Supervisor Foy, Son Pleads No Contest to HGH Charge

The son of a Ventura County Supervisor pleaded no contest Friday to conspiracy, possession for sale, and manufacture of a controlled substance, namely human growth hormones or HGH.  33-year-old Peter Foy II entered the no contest pleas to the felonies on Friday afternoon.  The judge then found Foy guilty on all counts.  Foy will be sentenced on July 12th.  Foy, the son of Ventura County Supervisor Peter Foy, had been indicted along with another man in connection with the case.  Because the Ventura County DA's budget is controlled by the Board of Supervisors and Foy and DA Greg Totten are political allies, the California Attorney General's Office handled the prosecution to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest.  Foy remains free on his own recognizance pending sentencing.

Steroid Smuggler Facing 3 Years In Jail

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2012/05/06/steroid-smuggler-to-serve-three-years

Federal prosecutors are pushing for a Winnipeg “exercise nut” to serve three years in prison for running an illegal steroid smuggling and trafficking operation for nearly a decade.


 Pavel Louda, 38, pleaded guilty to a smuggling charge under Canada’s Customs Act. He was previously convicted of a similar offence.

In 2002 he spent 24 days in jail after being caught smuggling $12,000 worth of anabolic steroids while returning from a trip to the Czech Republic.

Between September 2001 up until his July 2009 arrest, Louda used Winnipeg post office boxes registered under fake names to have unregulated ’roids sent to him from European nations, according to the Crown.

Between 2004 and 2009, Canada Border Services Agency officers made 198 seizures of steroid packages linked to Louda’s activities, court heard.

“That’s what we caught,” prosecutor Raegan Rankin said.

CBSA investigators also found Louda had made nearly $189,000 in wire transfers to the Czech Republic and other European locations over that same timeframe, said Rankin.

The CBSA embarked on an undercover probe in 2007 after making a considerable number of steroid seizures from smaller-sized mail packages in Montreal and Winnipeg.

They began watching a post office box at a Shoppers Drug Mart on McPhillips Street where Louda was seen picking up and dropping off packages at a steady clip.

They also covertly watched him meet with people in cars at parking lots while carrying packages with him, court heard.

A subsequent raid by CBSA agents of Louda’s home in July 2009 netted them evidence of Louda’s mail-order steroid racket, including “tally sheets” indicating who some of the drugs were going to and who owed him what.

“He’s not just trafficking,” Rankin said. “He orders, he pays, he has (the steroids) delivered to him and then he disburses to other people. He is the whole show,” Rankin told Judge Careena Roller.

At least a few injectable vials seized were filled with alcohol or vegetable oil, court heard. They presented potential major health risks, said the Crown.

“This is what he’s giving people. He’s going to have people inject Crisco, essentially, into their bodies. Did he know that’s what they were? No. But did he care? Clearly not,” said Rankin.

Defence lawyer Iain MacNair described Louda as an “exercise nut” who is “deeply ashamed” of his actions. He only sold to a small group of people he knew personally through bodybuilding circles, MacNair said.

The not-typically addictive drugs don’t present the same “social impact” that cocaine or heroin do, said MacNair. Those who bought them were aware of the health risks, he added.

MacNair asked the court to impose a conditional sentence in the range of nine to 15 months, along with a cash fine.

Roller said she was concerned at Louda’s “audacity” at applying for a pardon on his 2002 conviction in 2009 while still engaged in his smuggling operation.

“I have huge concerns about reoffending,” she said.

Roller reserved her decision.

Claims That gh15 is now Putting Bounties on Mods Heads

Quote from Swlabr:
"Why do I write this? BECAUSE THERE IS A GUY ON HERE WHO CONTINUES TO SPREAD LIES ABOUT KIGTROPIN. ARNOLD JUNIOR, YOU ARE CORRUPT! GH15'S FORUM IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL AND THERE IS A BOUNTY ON YOUR HEAD. DO YOU KNOW WHAT GUYS WILL DO FOR 5 KITS GROWTH HORMONE A MONTH? A LOT, TRUST ME".


http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=424659.msg6100017#msg6100017

What is going on with all of this. A member of GetBig.com is now saying that gh15 has put a bounty on the head of GB Moderator Arnoldjr. Is this for real? If this is bogus I hope gh15 does the right thing and bans this tool Swlabr for life on his forum. If gh15 is doing this for real, he needs to be stopped. This has gone way too far. Threatening peoples lives over a steroid board is way over the top.

Personally with all the controversy surrounding the Kigs why would anyone use them. There are too many good brands out there with solid suppliers for me to even take a chance on a brand with all the controversy. This threat concerns me. This is over the top and dangerous.

One thing I know about Arnoldjr is he has no agenda. He is one of the fairest, level headed mods that I have ever dealt with. Any veteran of this game would have to agree with AJ in saying that Kigs should not be touched merely because of the controversy. They have been faked, and they could easily be faked again. Just so you know AJ a lot of people have your back brother. A lot of us are looking out for the good of this community.

Steroid kingpin pleads guilty to 12 counts

Written by

Paul McKibben

LEBANON — The Batavia Township man who authorities say was the kingpin of a steroid distribution ring pleaded guilty Monday to 12 felony counts in Warren County Common Pleas Court.
Ronald Herbort, 45, pled guilty to five counts of fourth degree felony trafficking in drugs, four counts of second degree felony trafficking in drugs, two counts of second degree felony possession of drugs and one count of first degree felony engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Prosecutors dropped four counts of possession of drugs and three counts of trafficking in drugs, all felonies. Andy Sievers, an assistant Warren County prosecutor, said the charges were dropped because of Herbort’s cooperation and assistance.
Herbort will be sentenced June 18.
Last November authorities announced they had busted the network that included at least 24 people. The investigation started in January 2010 when authorities received two separate complaints about steroid abuse at the Lebanon YMCA. No steroids were sold inside the YMCA.
Authorities have said the ring operated with Herbort buying products from a Tennessee lab that imported steroid powder from China, mixing it with olive oil and packaging it in vials for distribution. Customers were charged $85 to $125 per vial. Each vial cost $25 to produce.
Herbort’s alleged No. 2 man was 37-year-old Matthew Geraci, formerly of Sycamore Township.
Geraci allegedly took orders for steroids via text messaging and stocked the supply in 18 lockers at a Blue Ash office complex. Each locker was assigned to a distributor-customer. Locker holders would retrieve the steroids, leave payment, lock the locker and notify Geraci via text message.
Geraci is scheduled for a jury trial in June on 30 felony counts of trafficking in drugs, possession of drugs and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Another key player in the ring was Geraci’s former fiancée – 28-year-old Jessica Howard, formerly of Sycamore Township. She is serving a 5-year sentence after a jury in March convicted her on two counts of trafficking in drugs and one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, all felonies.
Enquirer reporter Janice Morse contributed.

Victor Martinez Released From Jail

A Judge in New Jersey recently ruled that IFBB Professional, Victor Martinez be released from jail and allowed to remain on US soil. Victors legal problems began in October of 2011 after returning from his Arnold Classic Europe win in Madrid, Spain

Victor was arrested after his permanent resident card expired and was not renewed because of previous legal troubles. He was detained awaiting deportation, and was then transferred to the Hudson County Correctional Facility in New Jersey, where he spent the remainder of his time.

Victor is estimating that he lost 60 pounds during his six month incarceration. Others are reporting that he lost his home, and his restaurant, due to his troubles. 

Canadian Drug Dealer Arrested by Guelph Police

What a tool this guy is. Who in their right mind advertises steroids on Kijiji, and then meets the potential client in a parking lot. Doesn't it cross your mind that the client could possibly be an undercover agent investigating your stupid add?
This is comical to me, and this is the kind of moron who puts the community as a whole at risk. Has this guy ever heard of Darwin? I suppose not. Keep in mind the article below is translated from French.

A man from Canada was arrested after he tried to sell steroids to a person that turned out to be an undercover police officer. The police officer responded to online advertisements of this distributor of steroids. He was a man of 21 years old who decided to host advertisements about steroids on internet in order to promote selling these illegal substances. The drug dealer thought that it was the easiest and the most effectual method to promote sales.
The Guelph Police Department responded to the advertisements with the help of email on Kijiji.ca in an undercover way. It was scheduled a direct purchase in the parking lot of a local gym. As a result, the distributor of steroids was arrested. Four different anabolic steroids valued at about 650 dollars were seized. This person faced certain counts related to possession and intentions to sell illegal medicines.
Kijiji belongs to the online auction eBay. Although Kijiji isn’t very prominent in the USA, it is quite celebrated in several other countries, including Canada.
Ebay.com has utilized marketplace for illegal sales of steroids during some years. The Drug Enforcement Administration supplied eBay with a list of Scheduled III controlled substances that needed to be utilized as a filter in order to prevent hosting advertisements linked with illicit preparations. Certain drug dealers could bypass the filters, presenting these drugs as “steroid books” or “steroid DVDs”.
Although Kijiji is subsidiary to Ebay, it doesn’t possess any filter to prevent stimulating sales of illicit products. It posts advertisements connected with steroids and induces selling drugs of such underground labs located in Canada, as Lufsen, Lifesci, Mesodyne and Olympic Labs.
Have you been told that the steroid Testosterone Cypionate…?
Are you aware that the steroid Testosterone Cypionate may cause impressive positive effects in consumers? This remedy may induce enhancing muscle mass, restore damaged muscles, prevent muscle wasting and induce enhancing resilience due to increase of red blood cells’ number. It can be prescribed for treatment of teenagers who experience growth problems and men with delayed puberty. In spite of the fact that the steroid Testosterone Cypionate has ability to benefit a lot, it may lead to different troubles, if it administered during pregnancy or breast-feeding, or if it is given to infants or to males who have cancer of breast or prostate. This remedy can threaten to life of those who apply it in certain specified cases.

Former Jeff George Associate Sentenced to 7 Years

Well it definitely did not pay off in the long run for former Jeff George associates. Jeff George ratted off 33 people including His own Mother and twin brother, to try and secure a lesser sentence, for operating one of the countries largest illicit prescription pill mills. The fallout is still happening for people who were involved with George.

Gino Marquez, a 31 year old Wellington man has been sentenced to 7 years in prison due to involvement in one of Jeff Georges lesser illegal enterprises. Marquez is to report to prison on July 27, according to the sentence imposed Friday by federal judge Kenneth Marra.


Marquez plead guilty to racketeering conspiracy for selling steroids through Georges online business "South Beach Rejuvenation", and also defrauding 3300 victims through a time-share scam, American Marketing Group, LLC. Marquez was also ordered to help repay 4.7 million dollars to the victims of the time-share fraud.

Here is a little background to refresh fading memories of the Jeff George Case:

Jeff George was known as the pill mill King Pin, and was sentenced to 151/2 for operating one of the largest illicit prescription drug networks in the country. Jeff George ratted off 33 associates, including his mother, his twin brother, his sister-in-law and a childhood friend.


Georges Lawyer said: "In my 43 years of practicing law, I can't remember any case where a defendent has cooperated knowing that as a result of his cooperation there was a high probability it would lead to the arrests of his mother and his brother, Mr. George, in street language, has come clean."

Slovenian Steroid Dealers (Owners of Asia Pharma and British Dragon) Likely to be Extradited to the US

Vienna, 23 April (STA) - A Slovenian couple arrested in Austria on charges of selling illegal steroids will probably be extradited to the United States after the Austrian Constitutional Court threw out a complaint against the extradition.

PrivacyHarbor Email Closing Down

The secure email provider, PrivacyHarbor.com is closing it's doors. Due to financial concerns, the email provider has stopped services as of April 13, 2012. According to the PH website all accounts will be accessible through the month of April, but they make no guarantees after that point. I suggest if you have information that you do not want to lose in your PH account, that you remove the information ASAP. The information below is a news alert directly from the PrivacyHarbor.com web site. ~ NML

News Updates

April 13th, 2012 - The service is shutting down

Unfortunately, after these many long years we will no longer be able to keep this service running. Financial considerations are forcing us to shut things down. We will be able to keep the service running for the remainder of April but we have no guarantees after that point. New sign-ups have been disabled. To archive your existing messages there is now a download to zip button that will allow you to download an archive of your messages in each view.

2 Arrested for Manufacturing Steroids, Other Pills

Sam Cohen FOX40 News

2:27 p.m. PDT, April 19, 2012

MANTECA—
Two men are facing charges for allegedly importing steroids and re-selling them illegally.
Manteca Police were doing a probation search on Tuesday when they found the manufacturing and distribution operation.
Investigators learned the two men, identified as Christopher Weise and David Brandow, were ordering dry steroid powder and other pharmaceutical products from Hong Kong. They would then manufacture the steroid into a liquid form for injection, and sell it.
Officers found more than 200 doses were produced and waiting to be packaged inside the building along Lincoln Avenue.
The men were also manufacturing Creatine capsules, Viagra and Cialis variations to counteract the effects of steroids on the body. Cops say Weise and Brandow went so far as to use “safety seals” and holographic items on their products so they looked legitimate. Inside the building, officers also found weapons, ammunition and thousands of dollars in cash. Weise faces charges of manufacturing a controlled substance, possession for sale of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Brandow faces charges for the manufacturing and possession of controlled substances.

********************************************************************************

I'm interested to know if this is a lab that would be familiar to the community. I have heard recently that a few known sources have gone missing. I hope this is no one known to the community. Here are some pictures from the bust. ~ NML

Two Antioch men arrested on charges of possessing, manufacturing steroids

By Rick Hurd
Contra Costa Timescontracostatimes.com
Posted: 03/28/2012 06:34:48 PM PDT
March 29, 2012 1:34 AM GMT Updated: 03/28/2012 06:34:48 PM PDT

http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci...uring-steroids

Two Antioch men were arrested Wednesday after police say they were nabbed with steroids and the supplies necessary to make them.

Antioch police investigators arrested Christopher Weise, 38, and Kyle Cicerello, 25, on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance for sale after serving a search warrant at a residence in the 2700 block of Winding Lane at 11:15 a.m., according to a news release from Sgt. Steve Bias. A SWAT team and investigators from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service assisted in serving the warrant.

Both men were taken to County Jail in Martinez.

The search uncovered what police called a "large amount" of steroids, manufacturing equipment and supplies that are used in the production of steroids. Investigators also found several guns.

Weise is on probation for previous steroid sales, Bias said, and is a felon. He also faces charges of being a felon in possession of a gun, Bias said, as well as several other narcotics offenses. Police said he was wanted on an outstanding felony warrant in Stanislaus County.

Cicerello has no prior record, Bias said.

Murfreesboro Police Make Largest Steroid Bust in Department History

Looks as if MPD has made a very large bust. I see the infamous and recently controversial Kigtropins confiscated in the pictures below. Seems as if it is the largest bust in department history. I wonder who this could be and if it may be anyone significant. Lets hope it's not friends. The name Parker suspiciously reminds me of another recent string of busts that took place not too long ago.

If the pictures represent the total take for the MFP, it doesnt look to be anywhere near a 500K dollar bust. Looks to be significant, for a trafficking case, but 500K? Not sure why the authorities are always so quick to over inflate so called "Street Values". - NML

http://www.dnj.com/article/20120202/NEWS06/302020046/MPD-Department-confiscated-500K-worth-steroids-largest-ever-steroid-bust?odyssey=nav|head

MURFREESBORO — City police recently confiscated the largest amount of steroids in the department’s history while investigating an “international drug smuggling operation.”

Murfreesboro Police VICE officers, with the help of agents from the Tennessee Bureau of  Investigation, arrested Leslie E. Parker, Jr., of Murfreesboro, Jan. 27 in connection with the operation, according to a news release from Murfreesboro Police.


Parker was arrested after a “long term investigation” revealed he was receiving and distributing large quantities of steroids, according to police.



“Investigators believe the illegal drugs were being shipped from China to JFK International Airport, and then mailed to Parker locally,” said MPD spokesman Kyle Evans, via the press release. “Using the U.S. Postal Service, he distributed the drugs to mid-level dealers, both locally, and throughout the entire country to be sold to individual users.”


Lead investigator Bryant Mitchell arrested and charged Parker with Possession and Distribution of a Schedule III Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, according to the news release.


Investigators confiscated a large quantity of illegal steroids with a street value over $500,000 from a storage unit and from a local hotel room where Parker was living, the release reads.


“This represents one of the largest steroid confiscations in Department history,” Evans said.

Judge orders woman to give up password to hard drive encryption

Thinking that encrypting your hard drive will keep you safe in a time of desperation is not really the case anymore. Whether you are a criminal, or trying to keep the next big thing secret, hard drive encryption may no longer exist. A Federal judge rules we have no right to the Fifth Amendment per his discretion. This is almost laughable. If I was Ramona Fricosu, I would keep my mouth shut and allow my lawyers to handle all of this. Seems as if our rights under our great Constitution mean absolutely nothing to federal judges in the new century. It's a sad time in America. I would be willing to bet our Forefathers are rolling over in their graves. Can someone please tell me where the America I grew up in disappeared too? Don't get me wrong, I am a patriot, and I love this country, but times they are a changing.

http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/23/10219384-judge-orders-woman-to-give-up-password-to-hard-drive

In the future, your hard drive may not be your hard drive: A federal judge has ruled that a Colorado woman, charged in a mortgage scam case, must turn over the password needed to decrypt her hard drive so that police can view the files on it.

Ramona Fricosu was given until Feb. 21 to comply with the order by U.S. District Court Judge Robert Blackburn. The judge said Fricosu's defense — the Fifth Amendment's right against self-incrimination — did not apply in the case, in which she is charged with bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. "I find and conclude that the Fifth Amendment is not implicated by requiring production of the unencrypted contents of the Toshiba Satellite M305 laptop computer," the judge said in his ruling Tuesday, as reported by CNET.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital civil liberties organization that filed an amicus brief on Fricosu's behalf, had argued that Fricosu should not be compelled to give up her password because it would violate her Fifth Amendment right, and there was no immunity "offered for loss of this protection."

*

But the U.S. Attorney's Office said in court documents that if Fricosuwasn't ordered to unlock her computer, it would result in a "concession to her and potential criminals (be it in child exploitation, national security, terrorism, financial crimes or drug trafficking cases) that encrypting all inculpatory digital evidence will serve to defeat the efforts of law enforcement officers to obtain such evidence through judicially authorized search warrants, and thus make their prosecution impossible.”

Tight Booty and GymAce at it Again?

In recent months Tight Booty has resurfaced. Why is she on the boards again? She is posting on GetBig.com under the UserName Booty. She is not to be trusted what so ever. It was not that long ago that she was on the boards trying to get people to talk and forward information to a member named Taurus, AKA GymAce. A certain member who I will not mention for his privacy accidentally gave up a lot of info to the pair not knowing Taurus was in fact GA.  Rumor has it that GA was working as a mercenary informant, collecting part of the assets seized from the cases he helped to build.

http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/images/070924crnila.pdf

GymAce's arrest was on October 12, 2007, and was originally held with no bail. Later he was granted bail of $75,000.00. JTP815 who was GA's co-defendant was released with out having to post bail.  Now I have to ask my self how two people who are this deep into a huge steroid operation are able to get out of jail on 75K and the one who was actually doing the actual shipping (JTP815) not having to post bail at all?

They were both facing major charges at the time of their arrests, so once again how is it that they were let off so easily? I have a good idea on how it came to be, but I will withhold comment for now. Here are the actual charges they were being held on at the time of their arrests.

18:1956(h), 1956(a)(1)(A)(i) and 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) – Conspiracy to Launder Money
21:952, 960, 963; 18:982, and 21:853(p) – Conspiracy to Import Anabolic Steroids; Criminal
Forfeiture
21:841(a)(1) and 846; 18:982, and 21:853(p) – Conspiracy to Distribute Anabolic Steroids; Criminal Forfeiture

There was a Plea Agreement entered into the courts on 11-17-2007 which to my knowledge is still sealed. In the end GA was sentenced to 2 concurrent 10 month jail terms, No fine, 2 $100.00 penalty assessments, and supervised release for three years with conditions.

I am pretty sure we can all draw our own conclusions as to what transpired in the end. So i have a question for all board owners, Why do you allow Tight Booty to take part on your forums. Is it because you just don't care for the safety of your members? It boggles the mind that any forum owner, or admin would allow her to help further the cases being built by Goran Crnila - AKA GymAce.

Axis Labs Charged with Distribution of Product Containing Synthetic Anabolic Steroids

DENVER – Axis Labs, LLC, a company based in Centennial, Colorado, has been charged by Information with one count of mail fraud in connection to the illegal distribution of a product called “Monster Caps” which contained synthetic anabolic steroids, United States Attorney John Walsh and FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Patrick Holland announced.  An attorney and a representative of Axis Labs appeared in U.S. District Court in Denver yesterday to be advised of the charges pending against the company.

            According to the Information, Axis Labs engaged in the business of manufacturing, labeling, shipping and selling certain food products.  The business was active in and responsible for the distribution and marketing of a product called “Monster Caps.”  The intended use of the product was to enable weight loss and the production of muscle mass.  The product falsely purported pursuant to its label to be a “dietary supplement” and therefore could be distributed and dispensed without prior approval from the FDA and without a prescription from a duly authorized physician. 

            “Monster Caps” contained anabolic steroids, or similar synthetic compounds.  Because Axis Labs intended these products to affect the structure and function of the human body, they were actually drugs regulated by United States Code.  Moreover, they were also new drugs and lacked the approved New Drug Application also required by United States Code. 

            Between June 2008 and May 2009, Axis Labs sold “Monster Caps” on the internet, to customers throughout the United States without the required FDA approval for a new drug and without requiring a prescription.  The company distributed the product by delivering it, or causing it to be delivered to customers via the United States Mail, or UPS.

            “It is critically important that consumers know the contents of what they are consuming,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.  “In this case, the product contained synthetic anabolic steroids, and because of its potential for harm, it was a prescription drug that could only be dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription.  Thus, the defendant’s distribution of this product put consumers’ health at risk.”

            “Consumers need to have confidence that products claiming to be ‘dietary supplements’ are not, in fact, unapproved new drugs,” said Patrick J. Holland, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations.  “We will aggressively investigate those who place profits over public health by marketing purported dietary supplements that contain drug substances such as synthetic anabolic steroids.”

            Axis Labs, LLC faces a fine of up to $500,000.

            This case was investigated by Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations.

            This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaime Pena and Tonya Andrews.

            The charges contained in the Information are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty.

Two Manatee County marijuana grow houses busted

By LAURA C. MOREL - lmorel@bradenton.com

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/18/3802451/two-manatee-county-marijuana-grow.html#storylink=cpy

MANATEE -- Nearly 60 marijuana plants in two houses -- one in Bradenton, the other in Myakka City -- were discovered by investigators, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports show.
On Jan. 12, investigators received information about an indoor marijuana grow operation. On Tuesday, authorities went to the suspected home in the 24000 block of Jennings Road in Myakka City.
Detectives knocked on the door. Justin Marlow, 34, opened the door and a “strong odor of marijuana was detected,” an arrest report shows.

Detectives searched the home. They found an “elaborate marijuana indoor grow operation,” the report said. The total: 17 marijuana plants. Marlow admitted to growing the marijuana, the report shows, and said there was another grow operation in a Bradenton home.
Marlow and the detectives then arrived at the house in the 4700 block of Cayo Costa Place. When they knocked, Jeffrey Willett, 34, answered the door. Again, detectives smelled a strong aroma of marijuana, the report said.
Detectives searched the home and discovered 30 marijuana plants in the garage and 10 marijuana plants in a room.
Investigators found a combination of nearly eight pounds of marijuana, $2,020 in cash, 14 bottles of anabolic steroids, and “several large marijuana buds which were hanging in a closet to be dried out” at both homes, arrest reports said.
Willett admitted to growing the marijuana for about two years, a report shows.
Marlow also admitted to taking part in the operation and said he and Willett were partners in the operation. He told investigators that “times were tough” and he couldn’t find a job after undergoing carpel tunnel surgery, his arrest report says.
Willett and Marlow were arrested and booked into the Manatee County Jail on Tuesday. Willett was charged with cultivating marijuana and marijuana possession and posted $7,500 bond on Wednesday.
Marlow was charged with marijuana possession, manufacturing marijuana and possession of controlled substances. He posted $8,500 bond on Wednesday.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/18/3802451/two-manatee-county-marijuana-grow.html#storylink=cpy

Police: Man runs into center of I-80 to avoid being arrested

By From CDT staff reports — State College - Centre Daily Times

Posted: 12:50pm on Jan 21, 2012

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/21/3060943/police-man-runs-into-center-of.html#storylink=cpy
A Brooklyn man who allegedly tried to get away from police Friday night during a traffic stop by running into the middle of Interstate 80 faces a resisting arrest charge.
State police said they found that Eric Cooper, 30, was wanted on a felony warrant from New York and went to arrest him when he tried to run. Police said he was apprehended in the center of the interstate, near mile marker 160 in Boggs Township, then carried to the berm and handcuffed.
Cooper was the passenger in a car driven by Shevon Nurse, no age available, of Warren, Ohio.
Police said Nurse gave them false information about her identity, for which she will be arrested.
Police said they found two vials of anabolic steroids, a vial of testosterone and 15 syringes after searching the car.
In addition to resisting arrest, Cooper faces charges of drug possession and reckless endangerment.
Online court documents show that Nurse hasn’t been charged yet.

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/21/3060943/police-man-runs-into-center-of.html#storylink=cpy