Priorities and choices always make a difference. Greg Kreuz will spend 10 years in prison for his steroid operation.
Judge Alan Mayberry sentenced Kreuz on Friday and used Kreuz' own words from a previous charge against him.
In a pre-sentence report made in 2005 in a Fulton County case on similar charges, Kreuz said he then realized how "precious" his children were. He stated he would not have committed the crimes had he understood that.
"I pray to be there for them," Mayberry read from Kreuz' statement.
"Here we are again," the judge said. "To you, it's more important to have money and things."
The judge referenced the volume of letters he had received in support of the defendant, many of which affirmed his role as a great dad.
"Obviously that's not true. It's just a front you put on for others," the judge said repeating, "Obviously that's not true."
The 39-year-old Perrysburg resident pleaded guilty on Jan. 7 for his operations of producing and selling anabolic steroids out of his Coe Court home.
When given the opportunity to address the court, Kreuz said, "There is so much I want to say. I let so many people down."
He spoke of family and friends including a large contingent in the courtroom showing their support.
Speaking of his children, Kreuz said, "I've been trying to explain to them I am not a bad person. They told me, 'You're not bad, you're our dad.'"
During the sentencing Kreuz had his head down and eyes closed much of the time. A couple of times he put his hand to his face and at one point wiped his eyes with a tissue.
During Friday's proceedings, there was extensive comments from the judge and Gwen Howe-Gebers, an assistant Wood County prosecutor, regarding the volume of cash, "high-end toys" and other equipment found in his home. Kruez earned a reported $30,000 last year. He reportedly tried to hide his actions by purchasing a large volume of gift cards from at various locations, and tried to conceal evidence by depositing trash in nearby Dumpsters.
Search warrants found money hidden in walls and ceilings, and a box of steroids ready for shipment stashed in a clothes dryer.
Kreuz was arrested July 7 after a search warrant at his Perrysburg home netted a large volume of anabolic steroids with a street value of more than $1 million.
Also seized were two vehicles which, along with the cash, were ordered forfeited. The forfeiture was ordered in both in a related civil case as well as this criminal proceeding.
Howe-Gebers requested "double digit" time. She asked for seven years mandatory on two of the charges and left the other two counts to the judge's discretion, recommending consecutive terms for all counts, which would have resulted in 18-22 years.
Prior to sentencing, the judge listed various factors he considered and cited his justification for his decision, telling Kreuz he had not been successfully rehabilitated from his previous offenses and "obviously not responded favorably to any of the court sanctions."
The judge added he had shown no genuine remorse, except for being caught and his own circumstances.
Mayberry ordered a six years mandatory sentence for both trafficking in drugs and aggravated possession of drugs. He also ordered four years in prison for the illegal manufacture of drugs. Those sentences were ordered to be served concurrently with each other.
Mayberry also ordered four years in prison for a second count of aggravated possession of drugs. That was ordered to be consecutive to the other terms for an aggregate sentence of 10 years.
In the judge's final remarks to Kreuz he advised, "You did all this for the money, all for things. Hopefully this time you will learn a lesson. Your children, these people (gesturing toward the family and friends) are much more valuable than new cars, appliances, things and toys."
While the sentences were being handed down, Cara Didian, Kreuz' fiance, was audibly sobbing at each count.
After the session, Didian said, "This is ridiculous. He got as much as a rapist."
Mayberry denied a request from defense attorney Adrian Cimerman for a delay, and ordered Kreuz to be taken into custody immediately. Cimerman left without comment.
Howe-Gebers said "I'm glad he got double digits."
When asked if she was disappointed he didn't have to serve more time, she said, "You always hope there is a lesson (for the defendant)."
New study "Testosterone and the law of retaliation".
The study examines whether exposure to prenatal testosterone predicts aggressive responses to unfair offers during bargaining. The research finds that individual differences in prenatal testosterone predict whether one will act in retaliation after receiving an unfair offer. Those with higher testosterone levels made lower return offers after they themselves received an unfair offer.
“This research holds important implications for our understanding of the relationship between social challenges and the levels of testosterone present during early prenatal development," said Adam Galinsky, the Morris and Alice Kaplan Professor of Ethics and Decision in Management at Kellogg. “As anticipated, the effects of testosterone during sensitive developmental periods do not motivate aggressive behavior per se, but rather increase the appeal of getting even.”
To test the theory, Galinsky and co-author Richard Ronay of Columbia Business School conducted a series of experiments designed around students playing an ultimatum game. In the first experiment, both male and female participants who possessed higher levels of prenatal testosterone exposure made lower return offers following an unfair offer. The second experiment replicated the effect in an unfair offer condition, but found that when participants received a fair offer of 50 percent, the level of testosterone no longer predicted the return offers.
Additionally, the test also found that the testosterone level did not alter the perceived fairness of low-ball offers but predicted how people responded to this fairness. Those with higher levels of testosterone were more likely to act on their sense of unfairness by retaliating in response.
“Our results have implications for situations with opportunities for repeat negotiations, especially in the workplace and when the power relationships might be changing,” said Galinsky. “The takeaway is that if you push too hard against a person with high testosterone, then when the tables are turned they will fire back at you. For example, executives who are on the losing end of a salary negotiation might take his or her client list after they leave the company.”
“This research holds important implications for our understanding of the relationship between social challenges and the levels of testosterone present during early prenatal development," said Adam Galinsky, the Morris and Alice Kaplan Professor of Ethics and Decision in Management at Kellogg. “As anticipated, the effects of testosterone during sensitive developmental periods do not motivate aggressive behavior per se, but rather increase the appeal of getting even.”
To test the theory, Galinsky and co-author Richard Ronay of Columbia Business School conducted a series of experiments designed around students playing an ultimatum game. In the first experiment, both male and female participants who possessed higher levels of prenatal testosterone exposure made lower return offers following an unfair offer. The second experiment replicated the effect in an unfair offer condition, but found that when participants received a fair offer of 50 percent, the level of testosterone no longer predicted the return offers.
Additionally, the test also found that the testosterone level did not alter the perceived fairness of low-ball offers but predicted how people responded to this fairness. Those with higher levels of testosterone were more likely to act on their sense of unfairness by retaliating in response.
“Our results have implications for situations with opportunities for repeat negotiations, especially in the workplace and when the power relationships might be changing,” said Galinsky. “The takeaway is that if you push too hard against a person with high testosterone, then when the tables are turned they will fire back at you. For example, executives who are on the losing end of a salary negotiation might take his or her client list after they leave the company.”
New study shows steroids / testosterone use may not make prostate problems any worse.
PURPOSE: A history of prostate cancer has been a longstanding contraindication to the use of testosterone therapy due to the belief that higher serum testosterone causes more rapid prostate cancer growth. Recent evidence has called this paradigm into question. In this study we investigate the effect of testosterone therapy in men with untreated prostate cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the results of prostate biopsies, serum prostate specific antigen and prostate volume in symptomatic testosterone deficient cases receiving testosterone therapy while undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer.
RESULTS: A total of 13 symptomatic testosterone deficient men with untreated prostate cancer received testosterone therapy for a median of 2.5 years (range 1.0 to 8.1). Mean age was 58.8 years. Gleason score at initial biopsy was 6 in 12 men and 7 in 1. Mean serum concentration of total testosterone increased from 238 to 664 ng/dl (p <0.001). Mean prostate specific antigen did not change with testosterone therapy (5.5 ± 6.4 vs 3.6 ± 2.6 ng/ml, p = 0.29). Prostate volume was unchanged. Mean number of followup biopsies was 2. No cancer was found in 54% of followup biopsies. Biopsies in 2 men suggested upgrading, and subsequent biopsies in 1 and radical prostatectomy in another indicated no progression. No local prostate cancer progression or distant disease was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone therapy in men with untreated prostate cancer was not associated with prostate cancer progression in the short to medium term. These results are consistent with the saturation model, ie maximal prostate cancer growth is achieved at low androgen concentrations. The longstanding prohibition against testosterone therapy in men with untreated or low risk prostate cancer or treated prostate cancer without evidence of metastatic or recurrent disease merits reevaluation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report the results of prostate biopsies, serum prostate specific antigen and prostate volume in symptomatic testosterone deficient cases receiving testosterone therapy while undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer.
RESULTS: A total of 13 symptomatic testosterone deficient men with untreated prostate cancer received testosterone therapy for a median of 2.5 years (range 1.0 to 8.1). Mean age was 58.8 years. Gleason score at initial biopsy was 6 in 12 men and 7 in 1. Mean serum concentration of total testosterone increased from 238 to 664 ng/dl (p <0.001). Mean prostate specific antigen did not change with testosterone therapy (5.5 ± 6.4 vs 3.6 ± 2.6 ng/ml, p = 0.29). Prostate volume was unchanged. Mean number of followup biopsies was 2. No cancer was found in 54% of followup biopsies. Biopsies in 2 men suggested upgrading, and subsequent biopsies in 1 and radical prostatectomy in another indicated no progression. No local prostate cancer progression or distant disease was observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone therapy in men with untreated prostate cancer was not associated with prostate cancer progression in the short to medium term. These results are consistent with the saturation model, ie maximal prostate cancer growth is achieved at low androgen concentrations. The longstanding prohibition against testosterone therapy in men with untreated or low risk prostate cancer or treated prostate cancer without evidence of metastatic or recurrent disease merits reevaluation.
Australia's Mr Bench pleads guilty and gets fined for steroids stash.
A world champion weightlifter has escaped jail for a second drug offence.
Angelo Galati, known as “Mr Bench”, received a fine after pleading guilty to possessing a vial of steroids and breaching an intensive corrections order.
The testosterone vial was found in a sock drawer of the multiple Mr Universe winner in a police raid in November.
At the February 11 Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court hearing police prosecutor Leading Sen-Constable Cameron Cunningham said a vial was discovered after Galati’s home was searched.
Last January the 42-year-old Bentleigh East hairdresser received a 12-month intensive corrections order after pleading guilty to trafficking steroids, possessing a drug of dependence and receiving and possessing the proceeds of crime.
Almost 6500 anabolic steroid tablets, 16 vials of liquid and $16,835 in cash were seized during the September 2008 sting.
Sen-Constable Cunningham said police searches were thorough. “Police say there was nothing left (after the first search),” Sen-Constable Cunningham said.
But defence lawyer George Henderson said the drugs were part of the same cache located in the previous raid.
“The vial had been there a while ... it was there from what they didn’t take last time,” Mr Henderson said.
Magistrate Martin Grinberg fined Galati $400 and ordered the remaining days left on the ICO be completed.
Angelo Galati, known as “Mr Bench”, received a fine after pleading guilty to possessing a vial of steroids and breaching an intensive corrections order.
The testosterone vial was found in a sock drawer of the multiple Mr Universe winner in a police raid in November.
At the February 11 Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court hearing police prosecutor Leading Sen-Constable Cameron Cunningham said a vial was discovered after Galati’s home was searched.
Last January the 42-year-old Bentleigh East hairdresser received a 12-month intensive corrections order after pleading guilty to trafficking steroids, possessing a drug of dependence and receiving and possessing the proceeds of crime.
Almost 6500 anabolic steroid tablets, 16 vials of liquid and $16,835 in cash were seized during the September 2008 sting.
Sen-Constable Cunningham said police searches were thorough. “Police say there was nothing left (after the first search),” Sen-Constable Cunningham said.
But defence lawyer George Henderson said the drugs were part of the same cache located in the previous raid.
“The vial had been there a while ... it was there from what they didn’t take last time,” Mr Henderson said.
Magistrate Martin Grinberg fined Galati $400 and ordered the remaining days left on the ICO be completed.
Tesamorelin / Egrifta shows promise as an anabolic.
Based on tesamorelin's anabolic properties, the Company has chosen to pursue the development of its lead compound in muscle wasting in patients with COPD as its second indication. COPD is characterized by progressive airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema leading in certain cases to muscle wasting, a decrease of muscle mass and deterioration in functionality. Previously, Theratechnologies completed a Phase 2 trial in stable ambulatory COPD patients which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in lean body mass. The Company intends to commence a second Phase 2 clinical study in the second half of 2011 to test different dosages of tesamorelin with a new formulation.
Big shipment of generic ED products seized at JFK.
Federal customs authorities seized thousands of counterfeit erectile dysfunction pills at John F. Kennedy International Airport this week, authorities said.
Officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection flagged a cargo shipment from Hong King labeled "Farsan Sweet Dryfruit" for inspection on Thursday, February 17, 2011. When officers opened the container, they found almost 20,000 pills inside, authorities said.
Officers examined the pills and identified them as counterfeit sildenafil , tadalafil , and vardenafil -- erectile dysfunction drugs marketed in the United States under the brand names Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, respectively.
Authorities seized the pills because counterfeits and generics are considered violations of trademark and FDA regulations in the U.S.
"The illicit trade in pharmaceuticals poses a serious health and safety risk," said Robert Perez, the director of field operations for the local field office of Customs and Border Protection. "CBP officers in the greater New York area are some of the best trained law enforcement officers in the nation who are dedicated to their mission of intercepting unlawful items that adversely affect our nation's communities."
CBP officials estimated the value of the pills at more than $220,000.
Spanish Police launch anti-doping crackdown with Operation Contra.
This day dawned with a new doping-related news. The Police had made seven arrests in connection with this operation connected with doping, especially at amateur level. As responsible for this security force explained, the operation result of the complaint arose from a professional cyclist who had received offers for banned substances via email.
Among the seven detained was former professional cyclist (he ran in the Kelme team, involved in various plots of doping) Jordi Riera, formed in the mountain bike and had returned to this discipline, as we mentioned a few days ago, within the team Tomas Bell, which opened last weekend at the BMW Open test Lladó, appointment could not finish with a mechanical problem.
As research has transpired, Riera allegedly supplied substances, it acquired by buying another of the accused, other athletes, including a 17-year-old who trained and now has come of age. Among consumers have athletes in sports such as cycling, running or swimming.
Of the seven arrested, five are now released with charges after declaring before the judge, while the other two are waiting to be summoned to testify.
As reports Europa Press, the records have been found anabolic steroids, growth hormone, stimulants and blood products (46 syringes of EPO), injectable Clenbuterol and other series of drugs in tablets or injections.
While the operation is a new example of policing on such networks, their presentation again to be somewhat sensationalist as evidenced by the fact that the only implied that it has remained anonymous is Jordi Riera. The rest involved (GB Michelangelo Gironella, BT Xavier de Barcelona, Sant Adrià MP Sheila Javier Gironella MC, Isidro and Ivan Cerdanyola CM Terrassa GB) only has transcended his name, initials and place of residence.
Then you have available the video provided by the Catalan police on this operation:
Among the seven detained was former professional cyclist (he ran in the Kelme team, involved in various plots of doping) Jordi Riera, formed in the mountain bike and had returned to this discipline, as we mentioned a few days ago, within the team Tomas Bell, which opened last weekend at the BMW Open test Lladó, appointment could not finish with a mechanical problem.
As research has transpired, Riera allegedly supplied substances, it acquired by buying another of the accused, other athletes, including a 17-year-old who trained and now has come of age. Among consumers have athletes in sports such as cycling, running or swimming.
Of the seven arrested, five are now released with charges after declaring before the judge, while the other two are waiting to be summoned to testify.
As reports Europa Press, the records have been found anabolic steroids, growth hormone, stimulants and blood products (46 syringes of EPO), injectable Clenbuterol and other series of drugs in tablets or injections.
While the operation is a new example of policing on such networks, their presentation again to be somewhat sensationalist as evidenced by the fact that the only implied that it has remained anonymous is Jordi Riera. The rest involved (GB Michelangelo Gironella, BT Xavier de Barcelona, Sant Adrià MP Sheila Javier Gironella MC, Isidro and Ivan Cerdanyola CM Terrassa GB) only has transcended his name, initials and place of residence.
Then you have available the video provided by the Catalan police on this operation:
Australian steroid user's clever excuse fails in court.
An Australian man has faced drug charges at court after being caught with Viagra and steroids. David Roy Mannion pleaded guilty at Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday to possessing dangerous drugs and unlawful possession of restricted drugs.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mick O'Rourke said Gladstone police executed a search warrant at a Tank Street address, Gladstone, about 1.30pm on Friday, January 28.
Sgt O'Rourke said police found a tablet, which was identified to be Viagra. He said they also found steroids in a drawer in the bedroom during the search. Sgt O'Rourke told the court Mannion said his friend was the owner of the steroids.
Mannion's duty lawyer Brad Krebs, of Appleton Krebs Lawyers, said his client's friend gave him the Viagra tablet as a joke.
Mr Krebs also said his client's friend asked him to store the steroids so his wife would not find out he was using them. Magistrate Mark Morrow fined Mannion $500 and a conviction was recorded.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Mick O'Rourke said Gladstone police executed a search warrant at a Tank Street address, Gladstone, about 1.30pm on Friday, January 28.
Sgt O'Rourke said police found a tablet, which was identified to be Viagra. He said they also found steroids in a drawer in the bedroom during the search. Sgt O'Rourke told the court Mannion said his friend was the owner of the steroids.
Mannion's duty lawyer Brad Krebs, of Appleton Krebs Lawyers, said his client's friend gave him the Viagra tablet as a joke.
Mr Krebs also said his client's friend asked him to store the steroids so his wife would not find out he was using them. Magistrate Mark Morrow fined Mannion $500 and a conviction was recorded.
Canadian paralympian pleads guilty to fake Viagra charges to save son from US jail.
Paralympic gold medallist Jim Armstrong of Richmond says he took a fall in a U.S. fake-Viagra case to save his son from the risk of a long prison term.
Armstrong, skip of the Canadian wheelchair curling 2010 Paralympics team, was arrested in Blaine, Wash., less than a month after winning gold. He was fined $30,000 in U.S. Federal Court in Seattle on Monday, right after his son Gregory was sent to jail for a year and a day and fined $5,000 for his part in the scheme.
Armstrong, 59, said he did nothing wrong, but agreed to a guilty plea because authorities told him that if he didn't, his son wouldn't be able to get his plea agreement for a year and a day in jail.
Gregory, 28, would have faced a 10-year prison sentence, Armstrong said he was told.
"They put a gun to my head by putting it to Greg's head," he said.
In April 2010 a U.S. federal agent watched Armstrong open a box that contained about 2,800 counterfeit erectile-dysfunction pills. The box, addressed to Armstrong's late wife Carleen, was sent from China to a Mail Boxes International box used by the Armstrongs in Blaine.
U.S. court documents show the box had been intercepted by U.S. Customs in Los Angeles, leading to a stakeout of the mailbox outlet by federal agents.
On Tuesday, Armstrong said he opened the box because it was large, looked beat-up and had been wrapped with a lot of tape.
"If I knew what was in the box, why would I have opened it in plain view of everybody?" the retired dentist said.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Special Agent Jim Burkhardt pounced before Armstrong had a chance to call his son to ask about the contents of the box, Armstrong claimed.
"There's not a chance in the world that I'm taking this across the border," Armstrong said. "I know it's got to be illegal."
Gregory had many legitimate products sent to the mailbox, because it was cheaper to ship items there than to Canada, Armstrong said. It was only after being arrested that he found out Gregory had been ordering and selling pills, Armstrong said.
The U.S. prosecutor's case was riddled with inaccuracies, Armstrong claimed Tuesday.
Agent Burkhardt presented Armstrong's conjectures as facts, Armstrong said. For example, Armstrong said, when Burkhardt asked him what Gregory would be doing with the pills, Armstrong told him, "I guess he must have been distributing them to friends of his because he worked as a bartender sometimes in downtown [Vancouver] nightclubs."
That statement was then used as an admission by Armstrong that he knew his son was selling pills, Armstrong said. In fact, it turned out that Gregory was selling the pills online, not in clubs, Armstrong said.
U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Emily Langlie said Armstrong needs to live with the statements he made.
"That's what he told law enforcement. It's unfortunate that having entered a guilty plea that he is now interested in disputing the facts of the case," Langlie said, adding that Armstrong pleaded guilty "freely and voluntarily."
Armstrong, skip of the Canadian wheelchair curling 2010 Paralympics team, was arrested in Blaine, Wash., less than a month after winning gold. He was fined $30,000 in U.S. Federal Court in Seattle on Monday, right after his son Gregory was sent to jail for a year and a day and fined $5,000 for his part in the scheme.
Armstrong, 59, said he did nothing wrong, but agreed to a guilty plea because authorities told him that if he didn't, his son wouldn't be able to get his plea agreement for a year and a day in jail.
Gregory, 28, would have faced a 10-year prison sentence, Armstrong said he was told.
"They put a gun to my head by putting it to Greg's head," he said.
In April 2010 a U.S. federal agent watched Armstrong open a box that contained about 2,800 counterfeit erectile-dysfunction pills. The box, addressed to Armstrong's late wife Carleen, was sent from China to a Mail Boxes International box used by the Armstrongs in Blaine.
U.S. court documents show the box had been intercepted by U.S. Customs in Los Angeles, leading to a stakeout of the mailbox outlet by federal agents.
On Tuesday, Armstrong said he opened the box because it was large, looked beat-up and had been wrapped with a lot of tape.
"If I knew what was in the box, why would I have opened it in plain view of everybody?" the retired dentist said.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration Special Agent Jim Burkhardt pounced before Armstrong had a chance to call his son to ask about the contents of the box, Armstrong claimed.
"There's not a chance in the world that I'm taking this across the border," Armstrong said. "I know it's got to be illegal."
Gregory had many legitimate products sent to the mailbox, because it was cheaper to ship items there than to Canada, Armstrong said. It was only after being arrested that he found out Gregory had been ordering and selling pills, Armstrong said.
The U.S. prosecutor's case was riddled with inaccuracies, Armstrong claimed Tuesday.
Agent Burkhardt presented Armstrong's conjectures as facts, Armstrong said. For example, Armstrong said, when Burkhardt asked him what Gregory would be doing with the pills, Armstrong told him, "I guess he must have been distributing them to friends of his because he worked as a bartender sometimes in downtown [Vancouver] nightclubs."
That statement was then used as an admission by Armstrong that he knew his son was selling pills, Armstrong said. In fact, it turned out that Gregory was selling the pills online, not in clubs, Armstrong said.
U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Emily Langlie said Armstrong needs to live with the statements he made.
"That's what he told law enforcement. It's unfortunate that having entered a guilty plea that he is now interested in disputing the facts of the case," Langlie said, adding that Armstrong pleaded guilty "freely and voluntarily."
Ex-Patriots cheerleader arrested in drug case is fitness model.
A former New England Patriots cheerleader arrested for steroid possession during a major drug bust in Braintree is also an award-winning fitness model.
Samantha Baker, 33, of Weymouth took top honors in the National Physique Committee’s New England Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure competition in 2009, according to the website bodybuilding.com.
On her website, Baker, a 1995 Weymouth High School graduate, acknowledges the first-place victory and talks about other competitions and her desire to help others become physically fit.
“I know the feeling of accomplishment that I experience when I can transform my body while at the same time improving my overall health,” Baker wrote.
Five days after her Feb. 5 arrest, Baker posted a message to “fans, friends and family.”
“For those of you who have heard certain personal circumstances that I am going through, what I can say about it is this ... I have never nor will I ever involve myself with any illegal activity. It is not who I am as a person, not what I believe in, and certainly not something I would involve the people I love with.
“All I can say is that I will be okay, more than okay, things will turn out as they should and I am very, very positive for the outcome that will be reached. I will rise from this stronger and better than ever.”
Baker, who has 1,845 followers on Twitter, could not be reached for comment regarding the drug charges she is facing.
Patriots’ spokesman Stacey James confirmed that Baker was one of the team’s cheerleaders in the 2002 season.
Baker tells visitors to her website that she was not a cheerleader in high school or college. She says her longtime involvement in dancing led to an interest in physical fitness and her decision to try out for the Patriots’ cheerleading squad.
Baker, Vincent Papagno, 41, of Quincy, who police said was her boyfriend, Quincy Firefighter Patrick J. Ryan and a Bellingham man were arrested at a home on East Division Street in Braintree following a three-month investigation.
Braintree and State Police reportedly seized 35 pounds of marijuana, steroids, hundreds of pills and more than $7,000 in cash.
Police say Baker had oxycodone pills when she drove up to the house just as police arrived with a search warrant.
Authorities allege that Baker was part of a major drug ring operating in the suburbs.
She has pleaded innocent in Quincy District Court to charges of conspiracy and possession of oxycodone and steroids.
Papagno, the major target of the investigation, allegedly traveled to Los Angeles to buy large amounts of marijuana before mailing it post offices and UPS stores for delivery to the Braintree house.
Samantha Baker, 33, of Weymouth took top honors in the National Physique Committee’s New England Bodybuilding Fitness and Figure competition in 2009, according to the website bodybuilding.com.
On her website, Baker, a 1995 Weymouth High School graduate, acknowledges the first-place victory and talks about other competitions and her desire to help others become physically fit.
“I know the feeling of accomplishment that I experience when I can transform my body while at the same time improving my overall health,” Baker wrote.
Five days after her Feb. 5 arrest, Baker posted a message to “fans, friends and family.”
“For those of you who have heard certain personal circumstances that I am going through, what I can say about it is this ... I have never nor will I ever involve myself with any illegal activity. It is not who I am as a person, not what I believe in, and certainly not something I would involve the people I love with.
“All I can say is that I will be okay, more than okay, things will turn out as they should and I am very, very positive for the outcome that will be reached. I will rise from this stronger and better than ever.”
Baker, who has 1,845 followers on Twitter, could not be reached for comment regarding the drug charges she is facing.
Patriots’ spokesman Stacey James confirmed that Baker was one of the team’s cheerleaders in the 2002 season.
Baker tells visitors to her website that she was not a cheerleader in high school or college. She says her longtime involvement in dancing led to an interest in physical fitness and her decision to try out for the Patriots’ cheerleading squad.
Baker, Vincent Papagno, 41, of Quincy, who police said was her boyfriend, Quincy Firefighter Patrick J. Ryan and a Bellingham man were arrested at a home on East Division Street in Braintree following a three-month investigation.
Braintree and State Police reportedly seized 35 pounds of marijuana, steroids, hundreds of pills and more than $7,000 in cash.
Police say Baker had oxycodone pills when she drove up to the house just as police arrived with a search warrant.
Authorities allege that Baker was part of a major drug ring operating in the suburbs.
She has pleaded innocent in Quincy District Court to charges of conspiracy and possession of oxycodone and steroids.
Papagno, the major target of the investigation, allegedly traveled to Los Angeles to buy large amounts of marijuana before mailing it post offices and UPS stores for delivery to the Braintree house.
More details on the www.slchealth-fitness.com / StayMassive.com steroids case.
A bodybuilder who made £500,000 through illegal online sales of human growth hormone and steroids has been spared jail.
Mr X, 34, could have exposed customers to the risk of contracting fatal diseases including HIV and CJD by selling them potentially unscreened blood products.
He operated a worldwide network of sales of bodybuilding drugs, sending phials of medicine to countries including Italy, the United States and Philippines.
A raid on the gym he ran revealed he was also dabbling in the unlicensed sale of imitation Viagra.
Corbersmith was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with 100 hours of unpaid work and £2,500 costs at Southwark Crown Court.
Judge Christopher Hardy said: "Members of the public seem only too willing to imbibe medicine to improve their strength or their looks or whatever, and Parliament has decided sensibly that these drugs should only be sold by licensed sellers."
Mr X now faces a substantial order to confiscate his illegal profits. The amount he has to repay will be set later this year.
Phillipa Beswick, mitigating, said Mr X did not realise he was acting illegally by selling the drugs online and disputed the prosecution's claim that he had made £518,000 from the business.
She said he was well known in the community for his charity work, raising money for the local hospice and lifeboat service.
Mr X, of Grasmere Gardens, Frinton, admitted retailing a medicinal product without a licence, attempting to supply a class C drug, possessing class C drugs with intent to supply, possessing a medicinal product with intent to supply, possessing an unlicensed medicinal product and possessing a class C drug.
Mr X, 34, could have exposed customers to the risk of contracting fatal diseases including HIV and CJD by selling them potentially unscreened blood products.
He operated a worldwide network of sales of bodybuilding drugs, sending phials of medicine to countries including Italy, the United States and Philippines.
A raid on the gym he ran revealed he was also dabbling in the unlicensed sale of imitation Viagra.
Corbersmith was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years, with 100 hours of unpaid work and £2,500 costs at Southwark Crown Court.
Judge Christopher Hardy said: "Members of the public seem only too willing to imbibe medicine to improve their strength or their looks or whatever, and Parliament has decided sensibly that these drugs should only be sold by licensed sellers."
Mr X now faces a substantial order to confiscate his illegal profits. The amount he has to repay will be set later this year.
Phillipa Beswick, mitigating, said Mr X did not realise he was acting illegally by selling the drugs online and disputed the prosecution's claim that he had made £518,000 from the business.
She said he was well known in the community for his charity work, raising money for the local hospice and lifeboat service.
Mr X, of Grasmere Gardens, Frinton, admitted retailing a medicinal product without a licence, attempting to supply a class C drug, possessing class C drugs with intent to supply, possessing a medicinal product with intent to supply, possessing an unlicensed medicinal product and possessing a class C drug.
British steroids for sale site StayMassive.com's owner gets 12 month suspended sentence.
(the site is still up so either they are really brave, currently scamming or it's under LE's control )A 34-year-old man, Mr X of Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, was today sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to 12 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, for illegally supplying Class C controlled drugs and possessing Class C controlled drugs with intent to supply.
He was also given a six-month supervision order and an unpaid work (community order) of 100 hours.
Mr X was found to be dealing in Prescription Only Medicines such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, as well as unlicensed erectile dysfunction medicine and Class C controlled drugs, specifically anabolic steroids.
The MHRA was alerted to a website believed to be selling the medicines illegally and test purchases were made. Intelligence also revealed that Corbersmith owned a gym in Walton-on-the-Naze and had a related website called www.slchealth-fitness.com.
Checks confirmed the man held no licenses with the MHRA and was therefore unable to sell or supply medicines in the UK.
MHRA investigators, assisted by officers from Essex police, visited the business premises where the illicit stash was found stored in a locked cupboard underneath the gym.
MHRA Head of Operations Danny Lee-Frost said, "When you buy a medicine from an unregistered website you will never know the condition that product has been made in, shipped in or stored in.
"On top of that, you might be receiving a product that reacts adversely with any other medication you might be on.
"Mr X was illegally supplying Prescription Only Medicines which should only be given under the direction of a GP and in accordance with a prescription.
"This type of dangerous business dealing poses a great risk to public health as you simply don't know what you are taking."
Facebook steroid dealer busted.
A 22-year-old Reading man whose Facebook page says he is “destined for greatness” was arraigned today on 11 charges for allegedly peddling steroids to college students from his Rutland apartment.
John N. Moses was released on $2,500 bail after being arraigned today in Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield. Police said he was staying at an apartment at 176 Maple Ave. and selling the injectable performance-enhancing drugs to students at Worcester State University and Anna Maria College. He graduated from Anna Maria in 2010.
Police set up undercover buys and worked with U.S. postal inspectors during a three-month investigation to intercept shipments of the drugs Mr. Moses was allegedly mailing to a customer in Rutland. When Mr. Moses returned to town Monday in his white 1997 Corvette, allegedly to sell more of the steroids to a confidential police informant, officers arrested him and seized the sports car. Inside they found vials of Testosterone Enanthate, pills, white powder and cash, according to Detective Troy J. Chauvin's report.
Mr. Moses' Facebook page, which police used in their investigation, lists one of his activities as working out and includes the quote: “Take a look and you can tell im destined for greatness.” The page, which has more than 1,650 friends, indicates he once worked as a bouncer at a Worcester nightclub and includes quotes from World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Randy Orton and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Police said their investigation is continuing. Detective Christopher Giglio, Officers John Foster and Thomas Downey, and Chief Donald A. Haapakoski assisted in the arrest.
Mr. Moses was placed on pretrial probation and is due back in court for a hearing March 29.
John N. Moses was released on $2,500 bail after being arraigned today in Western Worcester District Court in East Brookfield. Police said he was staying at an apartment at 176 Maple Ave. and selling the injectable performance-enhancing drugs to students at Worcester State University and Anna Maria College. He graduated from Anna Maria in 2010.
Police set up undercover buys and worked with U.S. postal inspectors during a three-month investigation to intercept shipments of the drugs Mr. Moses was allegedly mailing to a customer in Rutland. When Mr. Moses returned to town Monday in his white 1997 Corvette, allegedly to sell more of the steroids to a confidential police informant, officers arrested him and seized the sports car. Inside they found vials of Testosterone Enanthate, pills, white powder and cash, according to Detective Troy J. Chauvin's report.
Mr. Moses' Facebook page, which police used in their investigation, lists one of his activities as working out and includes the quote: “Take a look and you can tell im destined for greatness.” The page, which has more than 1,650 friends, indicates he once worked as a bouncer at a Worcester nightclub and includes quotes from World Wrestling Entertainment wrestler Randy Orton and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Police said their investigation is continuing. Detective Christopher Giglio, Officers John Foster and Thomas Downey, and Chief Donald A. Haapakoski assisted in the arrest.
Mr. Moses was placed on pretrial probation and is due back in court for a hearing March 29.
Australian busted importing steroid powder and then a Chinese tablet press 3 months later.
A North Albury man charged with importing prohibited goods including steroids and a pill press pleaded guilty yesterday to five offences.
Jeremy Zentveld-Smith appeared at Albury Local Court after customs officers raided his house on January 25.
Zentveld-Smith, 26, of Hodge Street has been reporting daily to police as part of bail conditions imposed by magistrate Gordon Lerve.
He faces three counts of intentionally importing prohibited goods and two of importing prohibited goods.
Solicitor Chris Halburd for Zentveld-Smith said facts to be presented for sentencing were to be agreed and he would argue a jail term was unlikely.
Magistrate Gordon Lerve adjourned sentencing until April 1.
Zentveld-Smith was first raided on October 19 after the arrival at Tullamarine of stanozolol, an anabolic and androgenic substance, by air cargo from China in February and again in August.
Officers found vials of anabolic and androgenic substances in liquid form, tablets, capsules.
He was raided again on January 25 after the arrival of a pill press in Sydney from Hong Kong.
He made full admissions about the press.
Jeremy Zentveld-Smith appeared at Albury Local Court after customs officers raided his house on January 25.
Zentveld-Smith, 26, of Hodge Street has been reporting daily to police as part of bail conditions imposed by magistrate Gordon Lerve.
He faces three counts of intentionally importing prohibited goods and two of importing prohibited goods.
Solicitor Chris Halburd for Zentveld-Smith said facts to be presented for sentencing were to be agreed and he would argue a jail term was unlikely.
Magistrate Gordon Lerve adjourned sentencing until April 1.
Zentveld-Smith was first raided on October 19 after the arrival at Tullamarine of stanozolol, an anabolic and androgenic substance, by air cargo from China in February and again in August.
Officers found vials of anabolic and androgenic substances in liquid form, tablets, capsules.
He was raided again on January 25 after the arrival of a pill press in Sydney from Hong Kong.
He made full admissions about the press.
American Chopper star named in steroid scandal.
Paul Teutul, 61, founder of Orange County Choppers, received 11 prescriptions for steroids and human growth hormone from a mentaly troubled Florida dentist convicted of drug distribution charges. During a four-year period, Teutul received more than $50,000 worth of steroids and other drugs from clinics and doctors targeted in criminal investigations. Teutul declined comment on his receipt of the drugs.
UK's BBC reports on International Pharmaceuticals bust in Germany / Austria.
Customs investigators in Germany have seized a record haul of performance-enhancing drugs designed for illegal doping in sport, German media report.
Anabolic steroids were among the drugs worth millions of euros, found in a warehouse at Nidda-Wallernhausen, in the central German state of Hessen.
ARD television said the many ampoules and tablets had come from illegal labs in Europe, India, Pakistan and China.
Dozens of suspects were questioned in Germany and Austria.
One person is under arrest in Hessen, a spokesman for the state prosecutor's office in Giessen said.
Viagra and hormone pills were among the two tonnes of drugs seized in Hessen, spokesman Jochen Fabrizius told the BBC.
The German trafficking ring had posted drugs internationally to customers who used mail-order websites, investigators say.
"The investigation is continuing. The drugs were targeted at bodybuilders," Mr Fabrizius said, adding that the trade had probably been going on since 2007.
The Spiegel news website says there are suspicions that some top athletes were also ordering the drugs.
The raw chemicals for the drugs are believed to have come from labs in India which used cheap labour.
Anabolic steroids were among the drugs worth millions of euros, found in a warehouse at Nidda-Wallernhausen, in the central German state of Hessen.
ARD television said the many ampoules and tablets had come from illegal labs in Europe, India, Pakistan and China.
Dozens of suspects were questioned in Germany and Austria.
One person is under arrest in Hessen, a spokesman for the state prosecutor's office in Giessen said.
Viagra and hormone pills were among the two tonnes of drugs seized in Hessen, spokesman Jochen Fabrizius told the BBC.
The German trafficking ring had posted drugs internationally to customers who used mail-order websites, investigators say.
"The investigation is continuing. The drugs were targeted at bodybuilders," Mr Fabrizius said, adding that the trade had probably been going on since 2007.
The Spiegel news website says there are suspicions that some top athletes were also ordering the drugs.
The raw chemicals for the drugs are believed to have come from labs in India which used cheap labour.
Indian sprinter gets reprieve in stanozol on prescription doping case.
The 2009 National sprint champion, Sharadha Narayana, has been reprieved by a hearing panel despite being charged with a steroid violation.
An Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel headed by Jasmeet Singh, recently exonerated the 24-year-old Tamil Nadu sprinter, who had tested positive for steroid stanozolol at the Open National in Kochi in 2009. She won the 100m title there in a personal best 11.56s.
The panel that also included Dr N. K. Khadiya and hockey Olympian Ashok Kumar (originally the sportsperson member was hockey Olympian M. P. Ganesh), ruled that the athlete had been able to make out a case for elimination of the sanction under the “no fault or negligence” clause.
First time
This is the first time under the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regime that an athlete who was charged with the use of an exogenous (outside the body) steroid has been reprieved by a hearing panel.
The panel went by the advice and prescriptions given to Sharadha for a “knee (joint) pain” by Dr. C. Senthil Raj, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Sakthi Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, and came to the conclusion that she was not at fault and could be reprieved.
Dr. Raj prescribed her Menobol and Winstrol, both being stanozolol, the former in tablet form and the latter an injection version.
It was stated that the doctor had noted that she was suffering from knee pain. The prescription was dated July 13, 2009. Her sample at Kochi was collected on May 16, 2010.
During the intervening period of 10 months, Sharadha apparently did not approach any authority for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to use the banned drug. Both Menabol and Winstrol are well-known names within the sports circles as being steroids. The panel's order is silent on TUE.
The panel noted that the athlete had to go by the medical advice and could not be faulted.
It, however, stated, “the athlete is guilty of not filling the ‘Declaration of Medications/supplements' in the Doping Control Form.”
An Anti-Doping Disciplinary panel headed by Jasmeet Singh, recently exonerated the 24-year-old Tamil Nadu sprinter, who had tested positive for steroid stanozolol at the Open National in Kochi in 2009. She won the 100m title there in a personal best 11.56s.
The panel that also included Dr N. K. Khadiya and hockey Olympian Ashok Kumar (originally the sportsperson member was hockey Olympian M. P. Ganesh), ruled that the athlete had been able to make out a case for elimination of the sanction under the “no fault or negligence” clause.
First time
This is the first time under the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) regime that an athlete who was charged with the use of an exogenous (outside the body) steroid has been reprieved by a hearing panel.
The panel went by the advice and prescriptions given to Sharadha for a “knee (joint) pain” by Dr. C. Senthil Raj, an orthopaedic surgeon at the Sakthi Hospital and Research Centre, Chennai, and came to the conclusion that she was not at fault and could be reprieved.
Dr. Raj prescribed her Menobol and Winstrol, both being stanozolol, the former in tablet form and the latter an injection version.
It was stated that the doctor had noted that she was suffering from knee pain. The prescription was dated July 13, 2009. Her sample at Kochi was collected on May 16, 2010.
During the intervening period of 10 months, Sharadha apparently did not approach any authority for a therapeutic use exemption (TUE) to use the banned drug. Both Menabol and Winstrol are well-known names within the sports circles as being steroids. The panel's order is silent on TUE.
The panel noted that the athlete had to go by the medical advice and could not be faulted.
It, however, stated, “the athlete is guilty of not filling the ‘Declaration of Medications/supplements' in the Doping Control Form.”
British man gets suspended sentence for attempting to possess steroid drugs with intent to supply.
An Egremont dad who allowed his home to be used for the delivery of illegally imported drugs has been given a suspended jail sentence.
Gerard Fearon, 32, agreed to take delivery of the package from Pakistan believing that it contained a consignment of steroids, Carlisle Crown Court heard.
The package, intended ultimately for a contact whom the defendant refused to name, actually contained nearly 1,000 Temazepam tablets, a widely-abused prescription drug.
At an earlier court hearing, Fearon, of Royal Drive, had pleaded guilty to attempting to possess steroid drugs with intent to supply them.
David Polglase, prosecuting, outlined how in April last year Customs officials intercepted a package from Lahore which was addressed to Fearon’s home address in Egremont. The name on the package was fictional, said Mr Polglase.
The barrister described how an undercover police officer delivered the parcel to Fearon’s home address on May 4. Later, police raided the house and arrested Fearon.
“He admitted allowing his property to be used for the delivery of the package,” said Mr Polglase. “A male who he refused to name asked him to receive the package. He said he thought it was steroids and had he known it was anything else, he would not have got involved.”
Brendan Burke, for Fearon, suggested the defendant had been under the impression that it would be legal to import steroids – a contention rejected by the judge in the case, Recorder John Altham.
Mr Burke said Fearon had been approached by his contact a month before and they had agreed the man would return collect the package.
He said his client had lived in terror of going to prison, adding: “He is not a drug-taking, drug-using, drug dealer. He is a man who has committed offences and has then settled down.”
Recorder Altham imposed a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.
Gerard Fearon, 32, agreed to take delivery of the package from Pakistan believing that it contained a consignment of steroids, Carlisle Crown Court heard.
The package, intended ultimately for a contact whom the defendant refused to name, actually contained nearly 1,000 Temazepam tablets, a widely-abused prescription drug.
At an earlier court hearing, Fearon, of Royal Drive, had pleaded guilty to attempting to possess steroid drugs with intent to supply them.
David Polglase, prosecuting, outlined how in April last year Customs officials intercepted a package from Lahore which was addressed to Fearon’s home address in Egremont. The name on the package was fictional, said Mr Polglase.
The barrister described how an undercover police officer delivered the parcel to Fearon’s home address on May 4. Later, police raided the house and arrested Fearon.
“He admitted allowing his property to be used for the delivery of the package,” said Mr Polglase. “A male who he refused to name asked him to receive the package. He said he thought it was steroids and had he known it was anything else, he would not have got involved.”
Brendan Burke, for Fearon, suggested the defendant had been under the impression that it would be legal to import steroids – a contention rejected by the judge in the case, Recorder John Altham.
Mr Burke said Fearon had been approached by his contact a month before and they had agreed the man would return collect the package.
He said his client had lived in terror of going to prison, adding: “He is not a drug-taking, drug-using, drug dealer. He is a man who has committed offences and has then settled down.”
Recorder Altham imposed a four-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.
Bodybuilder, gym and nightclub owner pleads guilty in steroids case.
The co-owner and manager of a Burlington gym and several other businesses pleaded guilty Thursday to possessing and distributing steroids.
Steven Emmanuel Harvalias, 26, of Creek Crossing Trail, Whitsett, was charged with possession of more than 4,000 dianabol pills and several other schedule III steroids in February 2010. Harvalias was receiving the drugs by mail delivery from India, where they are legal.
The State Bureau of Investigation, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began investigating Harvalias in November 2009. Officers watched Harvalias’ girlfriend pick up a Fed Ex package at a UPS store and deliver it to him at SuperFitness and SuperTans, Harvalias’ gym and tanning salon on Huffman Mill Road, Alamance County Assistant District Attorney Gene Morris said.
Inside the package were 2,900 dianabol pills. Harvalias led authorities to his home where he kept more steroids. He also admitted that he was selling steroids.
At the time, and while Harvalias was preparing for bodybuilding competitions, he took as many as 50 pills a day — combinations of steroids, fat burners and other drugs — his defense attorney, Rick Champion, said. But Harvalias didn’t sell to his own customers or trainers, Champion said.
“These aren’t the type of illicit drugs that ruin people’s lives,” Champion told Superior Court Judge Wayne Abernathy. “My client has never used cocaine or marijuana. He says he doesn’t want to put that kind of stuff in his body … I don’t think you’ll hear his name again except for the good things he’s doing in the community and with his business.”
Champion asked that Harvalias be sentenced to unsupervised probation.
Harvalias has no previous criminal record.
The state rejected a first-offender’s plea, which would have allowed deferred prosecution and possibly lesser charges.
“That is a lot of pills,” Morris said. “His girlfriend said she’d picked up about four packages for him within about six months before the investigation began.”
The state recommended two consecutive, suspended sentences and supervised probation.
Abernathy sentenced Harvalias to two suspended four- to five-month sentences and placed him on 12 months’ supervised probation. Harvalias was ordered to pay $600 restitution, a $250 fine and court costs. He must also submit to random drug screenings.
After four months Harvalias can be transferred to unsupervised probation if he is in compliance with the terms of his probation.
In addition to SuperFitness and SuperTans, Harvalias is also co-owner of Club Kryptonite and Ikon VIP Ultra Lounge.
Steven Emmanuel Harvalias, 26, of Creek Crossing Trail, Whitsett, was charged with possession of more than 4,000 dianabol pills and several other schedule III steroids in February 2010. Harvalias was receiving the drugs by mail delivery from India, where they are legal.
The State Bureau of Investigation, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement began investigating Harvalias in November 2009. Officers watched Harvalias’ girlfriend pick up a Fed Ex package at a UPS store and deliver it to him at SuperFitness and SuperTans, Harvalias’ gym and tanning salon on Huffman Mill Road, Alamance County Assistant District Attorney Gene Morris said.
Inside the package were 2,900 dianabol pills. Harvalias led authorities to his home where he kept more steroids. He also admitted that he was selling steroids.
At the time, and while Harvalias was preparing for bodybuilding competitions, he took as many as 50 pills a day — combinations of steroids, fat burners and other drugs — his defense attorney, Rick Champion, said. But Harvalias didn’t sell to his own customers or trainers, Champion said.
“These aren’t the type of illicit drugs that ruin people’s lives,” Champion told Superior Court Judge Wayne Abernathy. “My client has never used cocaine or marijuana. He says he doesn’t want to put that kind of stuff in his body … I don’t think you’ll hear his name again except for the good things he’s doing in the community and with his business.”
Champion asked that Harvalias be sentenced to unsupervised probation.
Harvalias has no previous criminal record.
The state rejected a first-offender’s plea, which would have allowed deferred prosecution and possibly lesser charges.
“That is a lot of pills,” Morris said. “His girlfriend said she’d picked up about four packages for him within about six months before the investigation began.”
The state recommended two consecutive, suspended sentences and supervised probation.
Abernathy sentenced Harvalias to two suspended four- to five-month sentences and placed him on 12 months’ supervised probation. Harvalias was ordered to pay $600 restitution, a $250 fine and court costs. He must also submit to random drug screenings.
After four months Harvalias can be transferred to unsupervised probation if he is in compliance with the terms of his probation.
In addition to SuperFitness and SuperTans, Harvalias is also co-owner of Club Kryptonite and Ikon VIP Ultra Lounge.
Positive mainstream news story on Testosterone replacement.
Some people jokingly call it "manopause," a guy's version of menopause. Some doctors call it andropause, because of a decline in androgen, or testosterone. Others may claim it is just a "mid-life crisis." However it is described, there is a medical solution for men that can make a difference.
49-year-old Patrick Stolle from Houston says there is nothing embarrassing about it. He is man enough to admit that guys should get help for typical signs of a declining testosterone level. Stolle says the term "manopause" does not bother him at all.
"No, it doesn't. If that's what they want to call it, that's fine. I think men go through some sort of thing. Men lose some of our hormone levels, as well, so they start to drop off. If you can get on something that will bring your levels back up - that's fantastic," exclaims Stolle.
The Mayo Clinic says testosterone levels vary greatly among men, though in general, older men usually have lower testosterone levels than younger men. Doctors say males lose about one percent of their testosterone one year after the age of 30. That means by 70 years old, men may lose fifty percent of their testosterone.
What are the symptoms of "manopause?"
"Poor stamina, poor exercise tolerance, poor sleep pattern, poor response to exercise, loss of muscle mass, and increased body fat, things like that," explains Dr. Richard LeConey. A lower libido is also often experienced during this time in life.
Dr. LeConey offers a simple blood test at his Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and Skin Spa in Houston, to check testosterone levels.
"Statistically you could say it (testosterone) declines in the late 50s to 60s, some men still have an excellent testosterone level late into their 70s," says Dr. LeConey.
Stolle had his levels checked when he was only 40 to make sure he was staying as youthful as possible. He began taking HCG injections to prompt a boost in his testosterone.
"The first thing I noticed (after taking HCG), I was able to sleep better and feel more rested in the mornings, and I think I had more energy as well during the day. I think long-term, probably- I play sports - I had a little more stamina, more strength," explains Stolle. He also noticed that his skin appeared more youthful.
Other patients at the Institute of Anti-Aging, like Mike Hoiden from Richmond, use a topical testosterone cream, every day.
"All you can tell if you don't do it is you're tired and lethargic. If you do it, you have all your energy," says Hoiden. A little more than one year ago, Hoiden came to a crossroads in life.
"I felt like a slug, I weighed 360 pounds, couldn't lose weight, couldn't get off the floor when I knelt down. I had to do something," says Hoiden, who discovered three things to get him back on track.
"You have to have your testosterone working, because when you're my age, your testosterone is shot! Your metabolic system is gone, so you have to do the right exercise because if you hurt yourself, can't do anything. You have to eat the right food, take in the right nutrition," says Hoiden. Once he figured that out, Hoiden lost more than 100 pounds with the help of what he describes as a tripod: healthy eating, testosterone cream, and his trainer.
"Healthwise, he was in pretty rough shape. As you can imagine, being 360 pounds made just regularly daily living difficult", says Dr. Brian Sekula from Becoming Indestructible. He helped get Hoiden moving again, slowly but surely.
"When you get everything balanced, it's 180 degrees opposite - your health is almost perfect," says Dr. Sekula.
After changing his lifestyle and losing 100 pounds, Hoiden says he feels like he is suddenly twenty years younger. "To put it bluntly, the personal life with my wife is phenomenally enhanced, I can do things, go places, and take care of my farm," says Hoiden. He says he got his life back.
Stolle hopes others will learn they can benefit from a simple treatment, as well. "I think it's a great thing if you can extend your youth more, feel better, sleep better, have more energy! For me it's, "Why not," says Stolle.
Doctors say it is important to make sure there is not an illness that could be prompting a low testosterone level, like sleep apnea or complications from being overweight. For anyone who suffers any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it is important to consult with a doctor and not just attribute the symptoms to the aging process.
Testosterone cream is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and available only by prescription.
49-year-old Patrick Stolle from Houston says there is nothing embarrassing about it. He is man enough to admit that guys should get help for typical signs of a declining testosterone level. Stolle says the term "manopause" does not bother him at all.
"No, it doesn't. If that's what they want to call it, that's fine. I think men go through some sort of thing. Men lose some of our hormone levels, as well, so they start to drop off. If you can get on something that will bring your levels back up - that's fantastic," exclaims Stolle.
The Mayo Clinic says testosterone levels vary greatly among men, though in general, older men usually have lower testosterone levels than younger men. Doctors say males lose about one percent of their testosterone one year after the age of 30. That means by 70 years old, men may lose fifty percent of their testosterone.
What are the symptoms of "manopause?"
"Poor stamina, poor exercise tolerance, poor sleep pattern, poor response to exercise, loss of muscle mass, and increased body fat, things like that," explains Dr. Richard LeConey. A lower libido is also often experienced during this time in life.
Dr. LeConey offers a simple blood test at his Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and Skin Spa in Houston, to check testosterone levels.
"Statistically you could say it (testosterone) declines in the late 50s to 60s, some men still have an excellent testosterone level late into their 70s," says Dr. LeConey.
Stolle had his levels checked when he was only 40 to make sure he was staying as youthful as possible. He began taking HCG injections to prompt a boost in his testosterone.
"The first thing I noticed (after taking HCG), I was able to sleep better and feel more rested in the mornings, and I think I had more energy as well during the day. I think long-term, probably- I play sports - I had a little more stamina, more strength," explains Stolle. He also noticed that his skin appeared more youthful.
Other patients at the Institute of Anti-Aging, like Mike Hoiden from Richmond, use a topical testosterone cream, every day.
"All you can tell if you don't do it is you're tired and lethargic. If you do it, you have all your energy," says Hoiden. A little more than one year ago, Hoiden came to a crossroads in life.
"I felt like a slug, I weighed 360 pounds, couldn't lose weight, couldn't get off the floor when I knelt down. I had to do something," says Hoiden, who discovered three things to get him back on track.
"You have to have your testosterone working, because when you're my age, your testosterone is shot! Your metabolic system is gone, so you have to do the right exercise because if you hurt yourself, can't do anything. You have to eat the right food, take in the right nutrition," says Hoiden. Once he figured that out, Hoiden lost more than 100 pounds with the help of what he describes as a tripod: healthy eating, testosterone cream, and his trainer.
"Healthwise, he was in pretty rough shape. As you can imagine, being 360 pounds made just regularly daily living difficult", says Dr. Brian Sekula from Becoming Indestructible. He helped get Hoiden moving again, slowly but surely.
"When you get everything balanced, it's 180 degrees opposite - your health is almost perfect," says Dr. Sekula.
After changing his lifestyle and losing 100 pounds, Hoiden says he feels like he is suddenly twenty years younger. "To put it bluntly, the personal life with my wife is phenomenally enhanced, I can do things, go places, and take care of my farm," says Hoiden. He says he got his life back.
Stolle hopes others will learn they can benefit from a simple treatment, as well. "I think it's a great thing if you can extend your youth more, feel better, sleep better, have more energy! For me it's, "Why not," says Stolle.
Doctors say it is important to make sure there is not an illness that could be prompting a low testosterone level, like sleep apnea or complications from being overweight. For anyone who suffers any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it is important to consult with a doctor and not just attribute the symptoms to the aging process.
Testosterone cream is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and available only by prescription.
Author of "The Black Book - Anabolic Steroids" helped run International Pharmaceuticals.
The smaller but the vast world of drug dealer is. It is well connected. Quickly and professionally. For a long time much faster than the police believed and allowed. But the forbidden fruit garnished with gangster paradise was shattered suddenly - as the Austria-German authorities marched shaft. On Tuesday, the success has been clarified in the Interior Ministry, where for the best. International Pharmaceuticals, the oldest and most important underground laboratory for doping substances in Europe, it is excavated. Result of the lengthy chase through Lower Austria and Germany: 3 tons of banned substances, 6 million units, 25 arrests. Austrians have served in big business (80 percent of the popular sports) as major backers. Two of them sit in jail
The vehicle
Consumers - Subdealer - Dealer - backers. In that order was gradually a threatening and profitable vehicle from the forbidden traffic can be drawn. "For 20 years, International Pharmaceuticals, has been highly successful in business. They were well camouflaged, the main perpetrators were celebrated in the bodybuilding field as superstars," Andreas Holzer, chief drug fighter said in the Federal Criminal Office. Holzer's men and the experts in Lower Austria, there were also translated by the covert investigation, the crucial steps, "seven years after the Germans had tried unsuccessfully to uncover the network".
Two of the three masterminds of the doping hub and Austrians are now on remand: St. Thomas and Paul R.. The latter has with the German Pharmaceuticals specialist Lothar H. the scene-classic "The Black Book - Anabolic Steroids", written in German speaking countries which was about 60,000 times to be related to the muscle man. It is a kind of manual for drug users, of whom there are studies from the USA and Germany in abundance - one in five power athletes takes to anabolic steroids and Co., which can cause side-and after-effects such as depression, liver damage and increased cancer risk. Investigators Holzer: "The picture that has emerged from our many surveys is staggering Also missing the wrongdoing.."
The celebrities
Explosive encouraged the questioning of a key figure revealed in this criminal case. According to research by the COURIER suspects the prominent Upper Austrian Manfred Fitness Manager Kiesling has a heavy burden - it is an important early role in the international drug network that played. In Kiesl Vita is the word doping not unknown. 1997 in the apartment of the ex-M annes the Olympic bronze medalists Theresia Kiesl (1996, 1500-meter run) had been confiscated doping substances in 2003 founded the Kiesl later convicted doping manager Stefan Matschiner a sports agency. Kiesling was the courier for Manfred to the allegations currently unavailable.
The sentence
The investigation began in 2009, led to the operation "Sledge Hammer" (four Austrians were due to large-scale drug trafficking was arrested over the Internet), led by undercover in the successful prosecution of the instigators of International Pharmaceuticals. The large warehouse has been excavated, the dealers threatened by the anti-doping law to go up to five years in prison but the business is. Because the manufacturer of the basic substances which are definitely not to take. They're sitting in China or India. Shipping without ceasing. The demand will decide. By successes like the one against the powerful German-Austrian roundabout they can, however, may reduce a little.
More info on Europes's Operation Sledge Hammer.
The Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) on Tuesday presented his review of the investigation in terms of doping in amateur sport. A Special Commission considered that since the end of 2009. Overall, in Austria and Germany - was also involved in the investigation, the German Federal Criminal Police Office in Wiesbaden - three tons of anabolic steroids guaranteed. In a large warehouse in Germany, investigators found nearly five million units. Also in Lower Austria flew on three large camps. 25 people have been researching are two of them still in detention
Three of the suspects are relevant for the oldest marketing laboratory "International Pharmaceuticals" (IP) to be responsible, reported Andreas Holzer, director of the office for drug control in BK on Tuesday.
Products from India and China
The laboratories, in which the prohibited drugs were produced, could not identify the investigators, however. The detectives suspect however that most of the preparations in Pakistan, India and China was established. "And under questionable sanitary conditions," said an investigator. Further, laboratories in Eastern European countries. Doping investigators suspect that some are in Poland. The products were imported illegally, bypassing customs controls to Austria, available on the Internet (the suspects talked a homepage) and then from Austria to consumers abroad sent. Many customers were in the U.S..
In one of the suspects, according to Holzer is a "superstar" of the scene. He was particularly strong presence on the internet and was there under the name "Dr. Dental known. In addition, he co-wrote a book. This is a "type of instructions for the drug consumer," Klaus Preining reported by state police in Lower Austria. The last year in a new edition published book has more than 1000 pages and is not less than 3000 photos illustrated. On relevant websites, it is praised as a standard work.
The drug trade is increasingly taken over by criminal organizations, Ernst Geiger, investigation manager said in the BK. "There is a high profit, but the risk is lower than in the drug trade," Geiger said on Tuesday. The customers were mainly from the grassroots. "Here we locate a lack of awareness of wrongdoing," said the criminologist.
The dangers of the funds were not to be underestimated: the consumers with a higher incidence of aggression and depression was observed, but also the emergence of various types of cancer. Punishment threatens consumers, however, as only the dealer this means is punishable by law.
Three of the suspects are relevant for the oldest marketing laboratory "International Pharmaceuticals" (IP) to be responsible, reported Andreas Holzer, director of the office for drug control in BK on Tuesday.
Products from India and China
The laboratories, in which the prohibited drugs were produced, could not identify the investigators, however. The detectives suspect however that most of the preparations in Pakistan, India and China was established. "And under questionable sanitary conditions," said an investigator. Further, laboratories in Eastern European countries. Doping investigators suspect that some are in Poland. The products were imported illegally, bypassing customs controls to Austria, available on the Internet (the suspects talked a homepage) and then from Austria to consumers abroad sent. Many customers were in the U.S..
In one of the suspects, according to Holzer is a "superstar" of the scene. He was particularly strong presence on the internet and was there under the name "Dr. Dental known. In addition, he co-wrote a book. This is a "type of instructions for the drug consumer," Klaus Preining reported by state police in Lower Austria. The last year in a new edition published book has more than 1000 pages and is not less than 3000 photos illustrated. On relevant websites, it is praised as a standard work.
The drug trade is increasingly taken over by criminal organizations, Ernst Geiger, investigation manager said in the BK. "There is a high profit, but the risk is lower than in the drug trade," Geiger said on Tuesday. The customers were mainly from the grassroots. "Here we locate a lack of awareness of wrongdoing," said the criminologist.
The dangers of the funds were not to be underestimated: the consumers with a higher incidence of aggression and depression was observed, but also the emergence of various types of cancer. Punishment threatens consumers, however, as only the dealer this means is punishable by law.
Operation SledgeHammer Europes the end of IP and other EU UG brands ?
( My apoolgies for the machine translation I'm sure native German speakers will translate the info on the forums soon )
Since mid-2009 led investigators Federal Criminal Police Office and the Office of Criminal Investigation of Lower Austria intensive surveys in the area of crime by doping. This reached two Austrian criminal groups as managers of Websites and Internet platforms and the underground laboratories Doping substances, "International Pharmaceuticals", targeting the
Investigators.
Zwtl. Operation "Sledgehammer"
"Extensive surveys have led to a four-member
Austrian criminal group are discovered and arrested
could. This category of offenders to the Austrian citizen Karl
G. is for the international trade in doping substances
relevant known web shops and Internet platforms responsible
made, "said Dr. Ernst Geiger, Head of Department
BKA.
In the course of official action in three major deposits were
Lower Austria will be excavated, in which around 2,000 kilograms of anabolic steroids, Hormone preparations and stimulants were kept ready for sale.
The offenders drove the group of drugs seized
Austria from throughout the European region and in the USA,
where they are multiple Internet platforms (www.anabolika.com,
www.sledge-hammer.com, www.sledge-hammer.us and www.pharm-tec.com)
secret offices and warehouse operated. The value of seized
Substances is several hundred thousand euros.
The banned substances were from underground laboratories such as
"International Pharmaceuticals", "Alpha-Pharma", "Dutchlab" and
"Cebu-Pharma. The substances were tested in laboratories in Europe,
India, Pakistan and China, often under questionable hygienic
Conditions produced. Some were also in the final production
Poland and other Eastern European countries. The products were
illegally, bypassing customs controls to Austria
imported, offered on the Internet and then from Austria to
Consumers abroad sent.
Particularly in the case also seized numerous
Growth hormone was imported and sold in the cold chain
guaranteed. The health risk increased enormously.
Zwtl. Operation "International Pharmaceuticals"
Findings from the operation "Sledgehammer" led to further
Destruction of the famous and ancient underground laboratory in
Europe, "International Pharmaceuticals".
Because of the seizures in determining cause "Sledge
Hammer "provided a reasonable suspicion that in Austria
another transnational criminal group operating with direct
Connection to the underground laboratory "International Pharmaceuticals"
could stop.
Doping investigators from the Federal and State Criminal Office
Lower Austria succeeded in cooperation with investigators
Germany, the leaders of the underground laboratories, "International
Pharmaceuticals in Austria and Germany arrest. It is the Austrian citizen Paul R. and Thomas St. and its German business partner Lothar H.
In Germany, the United camp of the underground laboratories
be "International Pharmaceuticals" lifted. Sample of more
5,000,000 as anabolic steroids, hormonal preparations and stimulants
ensured.
Zwtl. "The Black Book - Anabolic Steroids"
The two main offenders are also confessed, behind the scene
known standard work "The Black Book - Anabolic steroids" to
or want to have it written with other people. When
"Black Book" is a kind of "instructions" for
Doping consumers in the anabolic steroids, hormones and stimulants
shown as described in their effectiveness and counterfeiting
are shown.
It is suspected that with the publication of the book and the
Sale of "International Pharmaceuticals" and other products
should be encouraged.
Since mid-2009 led investigators Federal Criminal Police Office and the Office of Criminal Investigation of Lower Austria intensive surveys in the area of crime by doping. This reached two Austrian criminal groups as managers of Websites and Internet platforms and the underground laboratories Doping substances, "International Pharmaceuticals", targeting the
Investigators.
Zwtl. Operation "Sledgehammer"
"Extensive surveys have led to a four-member
Austrian criminal group are discovered and arrested
could. This category of offenders to the Austrian citizen Karl
G. is for the international trade in doping substances
relevant known web shops and Internet platforms responsible
made, "said Dr. Ernst Geiger, Head of Department
BKA.
In the course of official action in three major deposits were
Lower Austria will be excavated, in which around 2,000 kilograms of anabolic steroids, Hormone preparations and stimulants were kept ready for sale.
The offenders drove the group of drugs seized
Austria from throughout the European region and in the USA,
where they are multiple Internet platforms (www.anabolika.com,
www.sledge-hammer.com, www.sledge-hammer.us and www.pharm-tec.com)
secret offices and warehouse operated. The value of seized
Substances is several hundred thousand euros.
The banned substances were from underground laboratories such as
"International Pharmaceuticals", "Alpha-Pharma", "Dutchlab" and
"Cebu-Pharma. The substances were tested in laboratories in Europe,
India, Pakistan and China, often under questionable hygienic
Conditions produced. Some were also in the final production
Poland and other Eastern European countries. The products were
illegally, bypassing customs controls to Austria
imported, offered on the Internet and then from Austria to
Consumers abroad sent.
Particularly in the case also seized numerous
Growth hormone was imported and sold in the cold chain
guaranteed. The health risk increased enormously.
Zwtl. Operation "International Pharmaceuticals"
Findings from the operation "Sledgehammer" led to further
Destruction of the famous and ancient underground laboratory in
Europe, "International Pharmaceuticals".
Because of the seizures in determining cause "Sledge
Hammer "provided a reasonable suspicion that in Austria
another transnational criminal group operating with direct
Connection to the underground laboratory "International Pharmaceuticals"
could stop.
Doping investigators from the Federal and State Criminal Office
Lower Austria succeeded in cooperation with investigators
Germany, the leaders of the underground laboratories, "International
Pharmaceuticals in Austria and Germany arrest. It is the Austrian citizen Paul R. and Thomas St. and its German business partner Lothar H.
In Germany, the United camp of the underground laboratories
be "International Pharmaceuticals" lifted. Sample of more
5,000,000 as anabolic steroids, hormonal preparations and stimulants
ensured.
Zwtl. "The Black Book - Anabolic Steroids"
The two main offenders are also confessed, behind the scene
known standard work "The Black Book - Anabolic steroids" to
or want to have it written with other people. When
"Black Book" is a kind of "instructions" for
Doping consumers in the anabolic steroids, hormones and stimulants
shown as described in their effectiveness and counterfeiting
are shown.
It is suspected that with the publication of the book and the
Sale of "International Pharmaceuticals" and other products
should be encouraged.
UG Lab International Pharmaceuticals busted in Germany / Austria ( not the Chinese IP )
Police arrested three Austrians and a German who allegedly ran a major European growth hormone business targeting amateur athletes, investigators said Tuesday in Vienna.
The men were arrested recently in the course of an ongoing police operation that has resulted in the seizure of 2 tons of various doping substances worth around 2 million euros (2.8 million dollars) since late 2009.
Three of the four are suspected of operating the underground laboratory International Pharmaceuticals.
In addition, investigators found International Pharmaceuticals' large warehouse in the German state of Hesse that contained some 5 million doses of growth hormones and stimulants.
However, the laboratory's production sites were not detected.
The substances were sold over the internet.
Two of the detained men admitted to authoring a handbook on how to grow muscles with the help of anabolic steroids.
The men were arrested recently in the course of an ongoing police operation that has resulted in the seizure of 2 tons of various doping substances worth around 2 million euros (2.8 million dollars) since late 2009.
Three of the four are suspected of operating the underground laboratory International Pharmaceuticals.
In addition, investigators found International Pharmaceuticals' large warehouse in the German state of Hesse that contained some 5 million doses of growth hormones and stimulants.
However, the laboratory's production sites were not detected.
The substances were sold over the internet.
Two of the detained men admitted to authoring a handbook on how to grow muscles with the help of anabolic steroids.
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