https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.c...7-organisers-crime-groups-trafficking-doping/
WOW! "Shutting down underground labs was one of the main objectives of the operation: nine were detected and closed in European countries and almost 24 tons of raw steroid powder were seized."
Overall results during the entire operation:
3.8 million illicit doping substances and counterfeit medicines seized (seizures included doping substances, dietary supplements, medicines and sport and food supplements);
17 organised groups dismantled;
9 underground labs disrupted;
234 suspects arrested;
839 judicial cases opened;
Almost 1 000 individuals reported for the production, commerce or use of doping substances
Trends detected during the operation:
wholesalers are importing huge amounts of steroids to feed the illegal market;
non-professional athletes, bikers and body-builders are buying small parcels of steroids, mainly from Asia or eastern Europe to traffic them to gyms-;
increased use of social media for advertisement, promotion and sale of anabolic products;
small organised crime groups are investing in illegal labs and selling the doping substances;
continuous growth of unauthorised and unregulated online pharmacies, also on the dark-web;
a larger use of rechargeable credit cards and cryptocurrencies to perform transactions.
.gif "IP Gear")
