A South Australian man has been charged by the Australian Border Force (ABF) over the alleged importation of performance and image enhancing dr?ugs (PIEDs).
The 36-year-old man has been linked to seven consignments containing steroids and other PIEDs concealed within other items, including face masks and pearl powder.
As part of investigations, ABF officers executed a search warrant last Tuesday (14 May 2024) at a property at Salisbury Plains, South Australia, where they located a shed containing various pill presses, glassware and steroid vials, suggesting the manufacturing of PIEDs.
ABF officers seized 7.5kg of powders labelled as hormones and steroids, 21 boxes of prescription medicines, 500 tablets of Clenbuterol Hydrochloride, PIED packaging labels, a large quantity of domestic mail packaging material, six mobile phones and seven credit cards in various names.
South Australia Police (SAPOL) officers were in attendance and seized two pill presses, a vacuum pump, large amounts of suspicious liquids and prescription medication, and vials and containers.
The seized items will undergo further examinations and investigations are ongoing.
The man has been charged with four counts of Import Tier 1 Goods contrary to s233BAA(4) of the Customs Act 1901 and is next due to appear at Adelaide Magistrates Court on 14 August 2024.
ABF Inspector Steve Garden said performance and image enhancing drugs are regulated in Australia for good reasons, and can have severe health impacts for users.
"Our officers undergo world class training to detect and respond to illegal activity and protect the Australian community," Inspector Garden said.
"We will not allow any illegal gains for this man, nor any other who seeks to profit by exploiting the Australian border."
SAPOL Detective Superintendent Billy Thompson, Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch said SAPOL is continually working with our Commonwealth and State law enforcement partners to deter, detect, disrupt and dismantle illegal activities that bring harm to our communities.
'SAPOL has a long standing and strong relationship with the ABF and this investigation is an example how SAPOL and ABF work together and will seize on every opportunity to keep the community safe.'
Anyone with information about suspicious border activities, including illegal importations, can contact Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. Information can be provided anonymously.