Police arrested 12 people Wednesday suspected of distributing fake Viagra and Cialis pills. During the police operation, police seized thousands of pills and packaging equipment.
After a lengthy undercover investigation, officers of the Financial Intelligence Unit searched homes, offices and businesses throughout the country. The packing facilities were discovered in a moshav in the center of the country.
Among those arrested is the owner of a Tel Aviv advertising company who is suspected of assisting in promotion. It is thought that thousands of people bought the fake pills.
In addition, there are also suspicions of extensive money laundering connected to the case, as well as tax evasion, being investigated by the Tax Authority. The police also questioned 23 other suspects.
The 12 people arrested are suspected of a list of charges, including illegal use of brand names, unauthorized distribution of medicine, recklessness and negligence, fraud, and breaking VAT and income tax laws.
They will be brought before the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court to have their remand extended Wednesday.
Showing posts with label underground labs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label underground labs. Show all posts
Jesse Haggard still fighting case against him.
Attorneys for an alternative medicine practitioner from Arizona asked a judge in separate motions last week to dismiss the charges against him and throw out evidence gathered from wiretaps.
Jesse S. Haggard was among a dozen people indicted in Mobile on charges that they conspired to sell anabolic steroids across the country to healthy people who had no legitimate medical reason to take the drugs. But he was not tried with other defendants in a five-week trial earlier this year because he fled to Costa Rico and only recently returned to the United States to face the allegations.
Defense attorney Christ Coumanis argued in his motion that his client was a license naturopath who permitted to prescribe medicine. Applied Pharmacy Services, a compounding pharmacy in Mobile, filled steroids prescriptions from Haggard and other licensed doctors.
"Despite the best efforts of Dr. Haggard, he could not have known nor learned what the Government alleges in this case was in fact unlawful," the motion reads. "This lack of notice denies fundamental due process."
Prosecutors have not replied. But U.S. District Judge Ginny Granade rejected similar arguments made by the other defendants who stood trial in January.
Coumanis wrote that when Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, it directed the secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to issue detailed rules that physicians should adhere to when prescribing drugs.
"It should be noted, however, that no such detailed regulations have ever been enacted regarding physician standards for prescribing non-narcotic controlled substances," Coumanis wrote.
Coumanis also argued that the law enforcement authorities failed to demonstrate they had probable cause to intercept phone conversations between Haggard and the pharmacy because the information officials submitted was out of date. It also came, in part, from a "biased and hostile former employee" who was fired after being accused of stealing from the company, Coumanis wrote.
"Much of this stale information comes from untrustworthy sources that have motives to misrepresent the facts," he wrote.
Jesse S. Haggard was among a dozen people indicted in Mobile on charges that they conspired to sell anabolic steroids across the country to healthy people who had no legitimate medical reason to take the drugs. But he was not tried with other defendants in a five-week trial earlier this year because he fled to Costa Rico and only recently returned to the United States to face the allegations.
Defense attorney Christ Coumanis argued in his motion that his client was a license naturopath who permitted to prescribe medicine. Applied Pharmacy Services, a compounding pharmacy in Mobile, filled steroids prescriptions from Haggard and other licensed doctors.
"Despite the best efforts of Dr. Haggard, he could not have known nor learned what the Government alleges in this case was in fact unlawful," the motion reads. "This lack of notice denies fundamental due process."
Prosecutors have not replied. But U.S. District Judge Ginny Granade rejected similar arguments made by the other defendants who stood trial in January.
Coumanis wrote that when Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act, it directed the secretary of the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to issue detailed rules that physicians should adhere to when prescribing drugs.
"It should be noted, however, that no such detailed regulations have ever been enacted regarding physician standards for prescribing non-narcotic controlled substances," Coumanis wrote.
Coumanis also argued that the law enforcement authorities failed to demonstrate they had probable cause to intercept phone conversations between Haggard and the pharmacy because the information officials submitted was out of date. It also came, in part, from a "biased and hostile former employee" who was fired after being accused of stealing from the company, Coumanis wrote.
"Much of this stale information comes from untrustworthy sources that have motives to misrepresent the facts," he wrote.
Steroid use by Police officers a big problem on Australia's Gold Coast.
A senior lawyer, who asked not to be named, claimed human growth hormones and steroid use was prolific among some Gold Coast officers.
"You have these young men who are super fit. Some of them are using the drugs in the gym and supplying them," he claimed
Human growth hormone abuse is fuelled by a culture of "super masculinity" and the need for some young cops to "beef up" their bodies to protect them from the increasing threat of physical violence on the beat, it is claimed.
Gaven MP Alexander Douglas, a GP who has previously encountered steroid use when working in prisons, said the illegal use of the drug led to violent outbursts and irrational thinking.
"Steroids are being used by younger men and women, strangely enough, to make themselves look beautiful," Dr Douglas said.
"From the use of Botox and amount of surgery going on, people are body obsessed. There is a culture of this super masculinity. But I think some of it (for police officers) is driven by legitimate concerns. On the Gold Coast, policing is a lot different to Brisbane. People will have a go at them."
Dr Douglas, who has treated some Gold Coast officers for injuries, said police were working in a tough physical environment.
"You have these young men who are super fit. Some of them are using the drugs in the gym and supplying them," he claimed
Human growth hormone abuse is fuelled by a culture of "super masculinity" and the need for some young cops to "beef up" their bodies to protect them from the increasing threat of physical violence on the beat, it is claimed.
Gaven MP Alexander Douglas, a GP who has previously encountered steroid use when working in prisons, said the illegal use of the drug led to violent outbursts and irrational thinking.
"Steroids are being used by younger men and women, strangely enough, to make themselves look beautiful," Dr Douglas said.
"From the use of Botox and amount of surgery going on, people are body obsessed. There is a culture of this super masculinity. But I think some of it (for police officers) is driven by legitimate concerns. On the Gold Coast, policing is a lot different to Brisbane. People will have a go at them."
Dr Douglas, who has treated some Gold Coast officers for injuries, said police were working in a tough physical environment.
More info on Maryland gym's controlled steroid delivery.
A 30-year-old fitness studio owner has been charged with drug possession this week after city police and federal agents allegedly found syringes and suspected steroids inside a black bag he was carrying, according to police.
Mark Eugene Miller, owner of Mark Miller Fitness in the 900 block of South Salisbury Boulevard, was placing the bag in his truck when Salisbury Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents seized the bag, according to charging documents.
ICE, an investigative agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration and customs laws, alerted city police to two alleged packages, one from Greece and one from Romania, Miller was expecting. His arrest came at the end of a weeklong investigation by city and federal investigators, according to Salisbury police.
"Customs gets involved in anything illegal from overseas," said Lt. Rob Kemp, a spokesman for the Salisbury Police Department.
Police said they found more than 300 prescription steroids, including Anapolon, Oxandrolone and Stanoplex, according to court documents. Investigators also found several syringes inside the bag.
Following the search, police took Miller into custody and charged him with multiple counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance. The fitness center owner was released on his own recognizance the same day, according to court records.
Miller did not return phone calls for comment from The Daily Times on Friday.
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance is a misdemeanor in Maryland and carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
A Wicomico County District Court hearing for Miller has been scheduled for early April. However, the case could be transferred to Circuit Court.
Mark Eugene Miller, owner of Mark Miller Fitness in the 900 block of South Salisbury Boulevard, was placing the bag in his truck when Salisbury Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents seized the bag, according to charging documents.
ICE, an investigative agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration and customs laws, alerted city police to two alleged packages, one from Greece and one from Romania, Miller was expecting. His arrest came at the end of a weeklong investigation by city and federal investigators, according to Salisbury police.
"Customs gets involved in anything illegal from overseas," said Lt. Rob Kemp, a spokesman for the Salisbury Police Department.
Police said they found more than 300 prescription steroids, including Anapolon, Oxandrolone and Stanoplex, according to court documents. Investigators also found several syringes inside the bag.
Following the search, police took Miller into custody and charged him with multiple counts of possessing a controlled dangerous substance. The fitness center owner was released on his own recognizance the same day, according to court records.
Miller did not return phone calls for comment from The Daily Times on Friday.
Possession of a controlled dangerous substance is a misdemeanor in Maryland and carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
A Wicomico County District Court hearing for Miller has been scheduled for early April. However, the case could be transferred to Circuit Court.
Steroids. com claims to be under new ownership ?
Here's today's Press Release :-
Effective today, Steroids.com has gone live under new ownership with the primary goal to educate youths about the dangers of steroid abuse. Backed by the legal team at Womack & Associates of Houston, Texas, Steroids. com aims to become the de-facto informational website related to all things steroids.
Steroids. com has also partnered with the Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton. org) to provide an educational resource network to deter teenagers and young adults from using illegal steroids.
Steroids.com launches with an encyclopedic library of factual information about steroids, including:
Side effects and dangers of Anabolic Steroids.
In-depth overviews of why and how these drugs are taken and obtained.
The ethical and peer pressure aspects of Steroids.
Steroid use in schools and sports.
The history of Anabolic Steroids.
How to spot a Steroid user.
How to talk to your child about Steroids.
Steroids. com welcomes and invites media attention and inquiry and wishes to partner with all domestic media outlets to spread the word about the dangerous and harmful consequences of steroid abuse.
Effective today, Steroids.com has gone live under new ownership with the primary goal to educate youths about the dangers of steroid abuse. Backed by the legal team at Womack & Associates of Houston, Texas, Steroids. com aims to become the de-facto informational website related to all things steroids.
Steroids. com has also partnered with the Taylor Hooton Foundation (www.taylorhooton. org) to provide an educational resource network to deter teenagers and young adults from using illegal steroids.
Steroids.com launches with an encyclopedic library of factual information about steroids, including:
Side effects and dangers of Anabolic Steroids.
In-depth overviews of why and how these drugs are taken and obtained.
The ethical and peer pressure aspects of Steroids.
Steroid use in schools and sports.
The history of Anabolic Steroids.
How to spot a Steroid user.
How to talk to your child about Steroids.
Steroids. com welcomes and invites media attention and inquiry and wishes to partner with all domestic media outlets to spread the word about the dangerous and harmful consequences of steroid abuse.
Gym in Maryland gets controlled steroid delivery.
A local fitness center has been busted for illegal steroids.
On Wednesday, Salisbury Police and federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) executed a search and seizure warrant at Mark Miller Fitness.
The warrant was obtained after a report that the owner of the business, Mark Miller, had illegal steroids.
During the search officers found a package addressed to the suspect that contained more of the contraband. Miller was arrested and charged with six counts of Possession of Schedule III narcotic.
Former Canby officer sentenced to 120 days in jail.
Former Canby Police officer Jason D. Deason was sentenced Thursday to 120 days in jail and two years’ probation for official misconduct and illegal steroid use.
The sentence was handed down by Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Thom.
Deason pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to a charge of possessing a controlled substance and two counts of first-degree official misconduct for buying the drugs while on duty and in uniform.
After serving 45 days, he will be eligible for release to serve the remainder of his time under home confinement.
As part of his plea deal, Deason agreed to forfeit his state police certification.
Deason apologized and expressed his remorse, said his attorney, Leonard J. Kovac Jr.
“He has been consistent in that regard ever since thisGot a News Tip? case started in late 2008,” Kovac said. “He explained to judge what he has been doing since, which includes putting together a plan to reach out to high school athletes and educate them like in a lecture series on the dangers of the steroid use.
“We also spent quite a lot of time documenting the healthy and loving support group he has around him,” Kovac said.
About 15 people attended the sentencing in support of Deason, including family friends and co-workers.
A Canby Police officer since 1999, Deason resigned in July 2008 during an FBI investigation of his alleged steroid use.
The department’s failure to properly investigate complaints about Deason led to an internal investigation and the resignation of Chief Greg Kroeplin.
One of his suppliers, Brian C. Jackson, was sentenced last year to 30 days in jail and two years probation after pleading guilty to delivery of a controlled substance. Jackson is a former strength and condition coach for the Oregon City High school girls basketball team.
William J. Traverso of Canby, accused of being one of Deason’s suppliers, will go on trial March 30 on theft and unlawful possession of steroids charges.
The sentence was handed down by Clackamas County Circuit Court Judge Ronald Thom.
Deason pleaded guilty Feb. 10 to a charge of possessing a controlled substance and two counts of first-degree official misconduct for buying the drugs while on duty and in uniform.
After serving 45 days, he will be eligible for release to serve the remainder of his time under home confinement.
As part of his plea deal, Deason agreed to forfeit his state police certification.
Deason apologized and expressed his remorse, said his attorney, Leonard J. Kovac Jr.
“He has been consistent in that regard ever since thisGot a News Tip? case started in late 2008,” Kovac said. “He explained to judge what he has been doing since, which includes putting together a plan to reach out to high school athletes and educate them like in a lecture series on the dangers of the steroid use.
“We also spent quite a lot of time documenting the healthy and loving support group he has around him,” Kovac said.
About 15 people attended the sentencing in support of Deason, including family friends and co-workers.
A Canby Police officer since 1999, Deason resigned in July 2008 during an FBI investigation of his alleged steroid use.
The department’s failure to properly investigate complaints about Deason led to an internal investigation and the resignation of Chief Greg Kroeplin.
One of his suppliers, Brian C. Jackson, was sentenced last year to 30 days in jail and two years probation after pleading guilty to delivery of a controlled substance. Jackson is a former strength and condition coach for the Oregon City High school girls basketball team.
William J. Traverso of Canby, accused of being one of Deason’s suppliers, will go on trial March 30 on theft and unlawful possession of steroids charges.
Depressed ex-steroid user dies from undetermined cause.
A former weightlifter tried to kill himself by dousing himself in petrol on a garage forecourt and asking people to set light to him, an inquest heard.
Darren Mulrooney, who suffered from manic depression, died in his sleep months later, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.
The 42-year-old grabbed a petrol nozzle from a driver before pouring fuel over himself, at the Esso garage in Wigan Road, Deane, in January last year.
Friend Anthony Hinegan told the inquest: “He went across the road, snatched the petrol nozzle off someone and poured it all over himself. It must have been traumatic for the people there.”
The inquest heard Mr Mulrooney, the youngest of three children, worked as a joiner and a hod carrier after he left school.
His father, Frank, said his son had been a keen weightlifter, but when he was aged 22, he discovered his son had been taking steroids.
Mr Mulrooney said his son began suffering from depression. The 15-stone weightlifter stopped going to the gym and his weight reached 21 stone.
He was treated for bipolar disorder and was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital 28 times between 1993 and 2009.
Mr Mulrooney was found dead after falling asleep in a neighbour’s flat, in Wigan Road, Deane, on August 17, last year. Pathologists could not determine a cause of death but said it was likely he suffered a sudden heart arrhythmia.
Recording an open verdict, deputy coroner Alan Walsh said Mr Mulrooney seemed to have deteriorated from the moment he stopped taking steroids.
Darren Mulrooney, who suffered from manic depression, died in his sleep months later, Bolton Coroner’s Court heard.
The 42-year-old grabbed a petrol nozzle from a driver before pouring fuel over himself, at the Esso garage in Wigan Road, Deane, in January last year.
Friend Anthony Hinegan told the inquest: “He went across the road, snatched the petrol nozzle off someone and poured it all over himself. It must have been traumatic for the people there.”
The inquest heard Mr Mulrooney, the youngest of three children, worked as a joiner and a hod carrier after he left school.
His father, Frank, said his son had been a keen weightlifter, but when he was aged 22, he discovered his son had been taking steroids.
Mr Mulrooney said his son began suffering from depression. The 15-stone weightlifter stopped going to the gym and his weight reached 21 stone.
He was treated for bipolar disorder and was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital 28 times between 1993 and 2009.
Mr Mulrooney was found dead after falling asleep in a neighbour’s flat, in Wigan Road, Deane, on August 17, last year. Pathologists could not determine a cause of death but said it was likely he suffered a sudden heart arrhythmia.
Recording an open verdict, deputy coroner Alan Walsh said Mr Mulrooney seemed to have deteriorated from the moment he stopped taking steroids.
BodyBuilding.com Donates $10,000 To Red Cross Haiti Relief.
A local company turned to its employees and customers to help the people of Haiti.
On Tuesday, www.BodyBuilding.com CEO Ryan DeLuca presented the Red Cross with a donation of $10,000. DeLuca is gratified to have raised so much money and ranks the moment up there as one of the best for his company.
"Today is definitely one of the great days of being at www.BodyBuilding.com being able to give a check for $10,000 to the Red Cross made a big difference knowing that we did something great. And knowing that we're helping somebody really felt really good," said DeLuca.
"To get a donation of this size unsolicited and unexpected for such a relief effort as Haiti, it's unprecedented, and it's very heart-warming to see this kind of a thing happen," said Red Cross Development Director Christopher Davis.
About 60 percent of the money raised came from customers who selected to donate their free gifts to the Haiti relief and recovery efforts, while employees accounted for the other 40 percent. That's a figure www.BodyBuilding.com is particularly proud of and thankful for.
On Tuesday, www.BodyBuilding.com CEO Ryan DeLuca presented the Red Cross with a donation of $10,000. DeLuca is gratified to have raised so much money and ranks the moment up there as one of the best for his company.
"Today is definitely one of the great days of being at www.BodyBuilding.com being able to give a check for $10,000 to the Red Cross made a big difference knowing that we did something great. And knowing that we're helping somebody really felt really good," said DeLuca.
"To get a donation of this size unsolicited and unexpected for such a relief effort as Haiti, it's unprecedented, and it's very heart-warming to see this kind of a thing happen," said Red Cross Development Director Christopher Davis.
About 60 percent of the money raised came from customers who selected to donate their free gifts to the Haiti relief and recovery efforts, while employees accounted for the other 40 percent. That's a figure www.BodyBuilding.com is particularly proud of and thankful for.
Granville weightlifter through first surgery.
A Granville man critically injured in a weightlifting accident Monday has successfully undergone a five-hour surgery to begin reconstructing his face, completing yet another small step on his journey toward recovery, his father said Thursday.
Chris Harmon, 20, dropped a 250-pound weight on his face Monday while on an incline press at the Advantage Club in Newark, where he had just broken his previous bench press record of more than 430 pounds.
The weight slipped from his hands and destroyed his cheekbones, nose and jaw, severing two arteries and resulting in a large amount of blood loss. Harmon faces several reconstructive surgeries in forthcoming days, his father said, but on Thursday afternoon had pulled through the first of those.
"He made it through five hours of surgery, and he's doing great. So now he's got to recover," Scott said.
Chris remains in critical but stable condition and on life support, and has not been conscious since the time of the accident, Scott said. Thursday's surgery had been delayed twice because of fluid filling his lungs.
And though he knows the road is long and the situation dire, Scott -- running on precious little sleep since Monday -- remains optimistic.
"We're not out of the woods yet, but we've gone through some serious, serious issues and we've pulled through," he said Thursday.
Thursday's surgery involved rebuilding Chris' right eye socket, the right side of his skull, jaw and both cheek bones. There is a high danger of infection, and Chris' face will continue to swell for the next few days before it begins to get better, Scott said.
The family is discouraging visitation at this point because of the high risk of infection and fragility of Chris' condition; however, a flood of support and prayers continues to come in through phone calls, e-mails and a Facebook page named "Pray for Chris Harmon," whose members reached nearly 2,000 Thursday afternoon.
A trust fund in Chris' name has been set up and is available at any Chase Bank to help with medical expenses.
Chris Harmon, 20, dropped a 250-pound weight on his face Monday while on an incline press at the Advantage Club in Newark, where he had just broken his previous bench press record of more than 430 pounds.
The weight slipped from his hands and destroyed his cheekbones, nose and jaw, severing two arteries and resulting in a large amount of blood loss. Harmon faces several reconstructive surgeries in forthcoming days, his father said, but on Thursday afternoon had pulled through the first of those.
"He made it through five hours of surgery, and he's doing great. So now he's got to recover," Scott said.
Chris remains in critical but stable condition and on life support, and has not been conscious since the time of the accident, Scott said. Thursday's surgery had been delayed twice because of fluid filling his lungs.
And though he knows the road is long and the situation dire, Scott -- running on precious little sleep since Monday -- remains optimistic.
"We're not out of the woods yet, but we've gone through some serious, serious issues and we've pulled through," he said Thursday.
Thursday's surgery involved rebuilding Chris' right eye socket, the right side of his skull, jaw and both cheek bones. There is a high danger of infection, and Chris' face will continue to swell for the next few days before it begins to get better, Scott said.
The family is discouraging visitation at this point because of the high risk of infection and fragility of Chris' condition; however, a flood of support and prayers continues to come in through phone calls, e-mails and a Facebook page named "Pray for Chris Harmon," whose members reached nearly 2,000 Thursday afternoon.
A trust fund in Chris' name has been set up and is available at any Chase Bank to help with medical expenses.
Expert: No urine test for HGH anytime soon.
In a blow to Major League Baseball's and the National Football League's goal to find a urine test for human growth hormone, the anti-doping expert funded by the leagues to develop it told Newsday Wednesday that it won't be possible through a conventional test.
"Our work has not shown that we are going to be able to detect growth hormone in urine," said Dr. Don Catlin.
"Our work has not shown that we are going to be able to detect growth hormone in urine," said Dr. Don Catlin.
Bradenton doc illegally obtained steroids.
A Bradenton doctor used another physician’s identification to illegally obtain the anabolic steroid testosterone, according to a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office report.
Bradenton chiropractor David Stuart Zamikoff, 39, is accused of using another doctor’s Drug Enforcement Administration clearance number to enter a prescription request with a Ft. Lauderdale-area pharmacy, then signing off for the testosterone using a signature stamp of a second doctor.
Both doctors told detectives Zamikoff did not have permission to use their identification to obtain the drugs. One of the witnesses told detectives he had given Zamikoff a prescription for testosterone in 2008 but not since. The pharmacy’s records showed Zamikoff received seven such shipments of testosterone, according to the sheriff’s report.
Florida law classifies testosterone as a Schedule III narcotic, and as an anabolic steroid that has known medical uses. If misused, it can cause physical damage.
On Monday, sheriff’s detectives raided Zamikoff’s office, Natural Healing Arts, 2215 59th St. W., and found two bottles of testosterone with labels from the pharmacy, as well as a credit card used to purchase the drug, the sheriff’s report stated.
Detectives arrested Zamikoff on Monday on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. He has since been released from the Manatee County jail on $1,000 bond. Sheriff’s spokesman Dave Bristow said the investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible in the case.
Zamikoff has been a licensed chiropractor in Florida since 2000, but his license was set to expire next month, according to Florida Department of Health records. He could not be reached for comment.
Bradenton chiropractor David Stuart Zamikoff, 39, is accused of using another doctor’s Drug Enforcement Administration clearance number to enter a prescription request with a Ft. Lauderdale-area pharmacy, then signing off for the testosterone using a signature stamp of a second doctor.
Both doctors told detectives Zamikoff did not have permission to use their identification to obtain the drugs. One of the witnesses told detectives he had given Zamikoff a prescription for testosterone in 2008 but not since. The pharmacy’s records showed Zamikoff received seven such shipments of testosterone, according to the sheriff’s report.
Florida law classifies testosterone as a Schedule III narcotic, and as an anabolic steroid that has known medical uses. If misused, it can cause physical damage.
On Monday, sheriff’s detectives raided Zamikoff’s office, Natural Healing Arts, 2215 59th St. W., and found two bottles of testosterone with labels from the pharmacy, as well as a credit card used to purchase the drug, the sheriff’s report stated.
Detectives arrested Zamikoff on Monday on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. He has since been released from the Manatee County jail on $1,000 bond. Sheriff’s spokesman Dave Bristow said the investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible in the case.
Zamikoff has been a licensed chiropractor in Florida since 2000, but his license was set to expire next month, according to Florida Department of Health records. He could not be reached for comment.
Man On Life-Support After Weightlifting Accident.
A college student and competitive bodybuilder was on life-support Tuesday night after a weightlifting accident.
Chris Harmon, 20, of Granville has years of experience in weight training. On Monday he was at the gym, lifting hundreds of pounds, when the bar slipped 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.
Those who know Harmon describe him as a young man of exceptional focus and determination.
"Lifting weights and bodybuilding's always been his passion," said Harmon's father Scott Harmon.
On Monday, Harmon broke a personal record, bench-pressing more than 400 pounds. He was following that up with a 250-pound incline bench press when the bar slipped.
"And somehow the bar slipped from his hands and fell about two and a half feet and struck him across the face," Scott Harmon said.
The impact shattered his cheekbones and jaw, crushed an eye socket and severed two arteries, McEntyre reported.
Doctors told Harmon's parents there was some good news.
"He said if the bar would have hit him that much higher, on the head, he would have been paraplegic and been brain-dead basically," Scott Harmon said.
Harmon's future is still uncertain, McEntyre reported.
He has already undergone two surgeries, with more to come. In the last 24 hours, his father said he was conscious for only a brief moment.
"I was sitting there stroking his head. And he grabbed my hand, and he looked at me and they gave him some medicine and made him go back to sleep," Scott Harmon said.
As experienced a weight-trainer as Harmon is, his father said his mistake was lifting without someone to spot him.
"Because it only takes a split second. In one second he dropped that weight and his life is forever changed," Scott Harmon said.
Harmon's father said he wants to thank those who helped his son immediately after the accident.
He does not know if it was the medics or gym staff, but someone placed Harmon face down, rather than on his back. Doctors said that prevented his lungs from filling with blood, and likely saved his life, McEntyre reported.
The owner of the Advantage Club Gym did not want to comment, McEntyre reported.
Chris Harmon, 20, of Granville has years of experience in weight training. On Monday he was at the gym, lifting hundreds of pounds, when the bar slipped 10TV's Glenn McEntyre reported.
Those who know Harmon describe him as a young man of exceptional focus and determination.
"Lifting weights and bodybuilding's always been his passion," said Harmon's father Scott Harmon.
On Monday, Harmon broke a personal record, bench-pressing more than 400 pounds. He was following that up with a 250-pound incline bench press when the bar slipped.
"And somehow the bar slipped from his hands and fell about two and a half feet and struck him across the face," Scott Harmon said.
The impact shattered his cheekbones and jaw, crushed an eye socket and severed two arteries, McEntyre reported.
Doctors told Harmon's parents there was some good news.
"He said if the bar would have hit him that much higher, on the head, he would have been paraplegic and been brain-dead basically," Scott Harmon said.
Harmon's future is still uncertain, McEntyre reported.
He has already undergone two surgeries, with more to come. In the last 24 hours, his father said he was conscious for only a brief moment.
"I was sitting there stroking his head. And he grabbed my hand, and he looked at me and they gave him some medicine and made him go back to sleep," Scott Harmon said.
As experienced a weight-trainer as Harmon is, his father said his mistake was lifting without someone to spot him.
"Because it only takes a split second. In one second he dropped that weight and his life is forever changed," Scott Harmon said.
Harmon's father said he wants to thank those who helped his son immediately after the accident.
He does not know if it was the medics or gym staff, but someone placed Harmon face down, rather than on his back. Doctors said that prevented his lungs from filling with blood, and likely saved his life, McEntyre reported.
The owner of the Advantage Club Gym did not want to comment, McEntyre reported.
Canadian's Steroids charges dropped over illegal police detention.
Charges against an accused steroids dealer have been dropped after a judge ruled he was illegally detained by police.
Vincent Gemmiti, 34, of Burlington faced seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking after police seized 10,000 steroid pills and other drugs with an estimated street value of $60,000 in November 2007.
But all charges were recently dismissed because Gemmiti wasn’t told why he was being investigated or given the chance to call a lawyer.
Gemmiti was linked to one of the largest steroids cases in Canada — the April 2008 discovery of $2 million in steroids and counterfeit prescription drugs at a house and a storage unit in Kitchener.
Waterloo Regional Police stumbled on Gemmiti while investigating a complaint about a suspected drunk driver.
He was questioned in the driveway of a house on Black Cherry Drive in Waterloo, but there was no smell of alcohol or other signs of impairment.
Officers were suspicious of his behaviour, however, and didn’t immediately let him go.
Meanwhile, they got information over their radio that Gemmiti faced steroid trafficking charges in New Brunswick, and asked him if he had any drugs with him.
When he was allowed to leave a few minutes later, Gemmiti was followed by surveillance officers.
Police watched him go to a drugstore, pace outside while talking on his cellphone and eventually leave the store with a box.
Gemmiti then called a cab, got in it with the box and returned to the house on Black Cherry Drive where he had been questioned.
Police arrested Gemmiti and found steroids — which speed muscle growth and are used for performance enhancement in bodybuilding and other sports — in the box.
Only then was he advised of his rights.
Justice Gerry Taylor ruled it was a “significant, although not an egregious” violation of Gemmiti’s constitutional rights when he was briefly detained even though police had no grounds to believe he was impaired.
He said Gemmiti should have been told and given the opportunity to call a lawyer when police continued to hold him because of their suspicions about steroids.
As a result, Taylor excluded the seized drugs as evidence and the prosecution was left with no case against him.
Gemmiti was arrested at the home of Fernando Reis, 48, a self-taught chemist who ran a booming business — Azorian World Order — selling steroids and counterfeit prescription drugs online and to health and nutrition businesses.
Reis used the profits from his illegal drug operation to buy five houses, two of which were forfeited as the proceeds of crime.
Arrested several months after Gemmiti, he pleaded guilty to 15 counts of trafficking and importing drugs, and was sentenced last year to the equivalent of 22 months in jail.
Vincent Gemmiti, 34, of Burlington faced seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking after police seized 10,000 steroid pills and other drugs with an estimated street value of $60,000 in November 2007.
But all charges were recently dismissed because Gemmiti wasn’t told why he was being investigated or given the chance to call a lawyer.
Gemmiti was linked to one of the largest steroids cases in Canada — the April 2008 discovery of $2 million in steroids and counterfeit prescription drugs at a house and a storage unit in Kitchener.
Waterloo Regional Police stumbled on Gemmiti while investigating a complaint about a suspected drunk driver.
He was questioned in the driveway of a house on Black Cherry Drive in Waterloo, but there was no smell of alcohol or other signs of impairment.
Officers were suspicious of his behaviour, however, and didn’t immediately let him go.
Meanwhile, they got information over their radio that Gemmiti faced steroid trafficking charges in New Brunswick, and asked him if he had any drugs with him.
When he was allowed to leave a few minutes later, Gemmiti was followed by surveillance officers.
Police watched him go to a drugstore, pace outside while talking on his cellphone and eventually leave the store with a box.
Gemmiti then called a cab, got in it with the box and returned to the house on Black Cherry Drive where he had been questioned.
Police arrested Gemmiti and found steroids — which speed muscle growth and are used for performance enhancement in bodybuilding and other sports — in the box.
Only then was he advised of his rights.
Justice Gerry Taylor ruled it was a “significant, although not an egregious” violation of Gemmiti’s constitutional rights when he was briefly detained even though police had no grounds to believe he was impaired.
He said Gemmiti should have been told and given the opportunity to call a lawyer when police continued to hold him because of their suspicions about steroids.
As a result, Taylor excluded the seized drugs as evidence and the prosecution was left with no case against him.
Gemmiti was arrested at the home of Fernando Reis, 48, a self-taught chemist who ran a booming business — Azorian World Order — selling steroids and counterfeit prescription drugs online and to health and nutrition businesses.
Reis used the profits from his illegal drug operation to buy five houses, two of which were forfeited as the proceeds of crime.
Arrested several months after Gemmiti, he pleaded guilty to 15 counts of trafficking and importing drugs, and was sentenced last year to the equivalent of 22 months in jail.
Australian Body builder pleads guilty to steroids possession.
A north Queensland body builder has been ordered to undertake a drug diversion program after several vials of steroids were found in his Mackay home.
Ross Thomas Butcher pleaded guilty in the Mackay Magistrates Court this morning to one charge of possession of dangerous drugs.
The court heard police found five vials of drugs, including testosterone and nandrolone.
No conviction was recorded.
Ross Thomas Butcher pleaded guilty in the Mackay Magistrates Court this morning to one charge of possession of dangerous drugs.
The court heard police found five vials of drugs, including testosterone and nandrolone.
No conviction was recorded.
Let Olympians take drugs, says ethics scientist :-)
A SCOTS sports scientist has caused a storm in the middle of the Winter Olympics by calling for performance enhancing drugs to be legalised.
Professor Andy Miah, Chair in Ethics and Emerging Technologies at the University of the West of Scotland, believes allowing steroid use would mean attention could be focused on managing the health risks they pose.
He said: “We need to recognise that enhancements are becoming more prevalent and sport will soon need to embrace them more fully.”
But UK Anti-Doping, which ensures sports bodies comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, dismissed his claims, insisting: “Doping is cheating.”
Moral questions should “disappear”
More than 30 athletes were banned from the Vancouver Olympics for breaking anti-doping rules.
Prof Miah, who lectures at the UWS, claims he wants drugs to be permitted so more track and field records can be broken.
He said: “While there may be widespread support for cleansing sport of doping, we should consider why we spend time prohibiting performance enhancement in sports when what we ask athletes to do is break the known limits of human capability.
“This is what elite sports require, so athletes should be permitted the use of whatever means are available to them to optimise the chance of this taking place.”
Writing from Vancouver, where he chaired a drugs debate at the weekend, he called for moral questions to “disappear.”
He said: “Athletes are technological beings.
“Their performances are already lab-generated, with or without doping.
“Some technologies we like and consider valuable, like treadmills or hypoxic chambers.
“Others, we think are fiendish, like steroids.
“However, if only we made steroids legal, that moral judgment would disappear and we could focus on managing the health risks they pose, rather than rushing simply to condemn athletes for using them.
“Overall, we need to recognise that enhancements are becoming more prevalent and sport will soon need to embrace them more fully.”
Professor Andy Miah, Chair in Ethics and Emerging Technologies at the University of the West of Scotland, believes allowing steroid use would mean attention could be focused on managing the health risks they pose.
He said: “We need to recognise that enhancements are becoming more prevalent and sport will soon need to embrace them more fully.”
But UK Anti-Doping, which ensures sports bodies comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, dismissed his claims, insisting: “Doping is cheating.”
Moral questions should “disappear”
More than 30 athletes were banned from the Vancouver Olympics for breaking anti-doping rules.
Prof Miah, who lectures at the UWS, claims he wants drugs to be permitted so more track and field records can be broken.
He said: “While there may be widespread support for cleansing sport of doping, we should consider why we spend time prohibiting performance enhancement in sports when what we ask athletes to do is break the known limits of human capability.
“This is what elite sports require, so athletes should be permitted the use of whatever means are available to them to optimise the chance of this taking place.”
Writing from Vancouver, where he chaired a drugs debate at the weekend, he called for moral questions to “disappear.”
He said: “Athletes are technological beings.
“Their performances are already lab-generated, with or without doping.
“Some technologies we like and consider valuable, like treadmills or hypoxic chambers.
“Others, we think are fiendish, like steroids.
“However, if only we made steroids legal, that moral judgment would disappear and we could focus on managing the health risks they pose, rather than rushing simply to condemn athletes for using them.
“Overall, we need to recognise that enhancements are becoming more prevalent and sport will soon need to embrace them more fully.”
Basketball player claims he's just a dumb supplement junkie and NOT a cheat :-)
Juan Dixon said he made a mistake that led to his positive test for the steroid nandrolone and expects to be cleared to return to his Spanish professional team soon.
"I'm a supplement junkie," Dixon said on Sunday at the Petersen Events Center, where he was watching his younger brother, Jermaine, and the University of Pittsburgh play Villanova. "I like to try different things and I made the mistake of not doing the research and making sure it was legal."
But the former Maryland guard said the notion that he was intentionally taking steroids is laughable.
"Steroids? C'mon," he said. "I was 145 pounds in high school, 160 in college and I'm up to maybe 175 now. Look at me. Be serious. People can say whatever they want, but I've played the same way my whole life."
Dixon, who was suspended indefinitely by FIBA after the positive test, said he will have a B sample test on Monday and expects to receive the results of that within the next week.
"If it's OK, I should be good to go," he said.
"I'm a supplement junkie," Dixon said on Sunday at the Petersen Events Center, where he was watching his younger brother, Jermaine, and the University of Pittsburgh play Villanova. "I like to try different things and I made the mistake of not doing the research and making sure it was legal."
But the former Maryland guard said the notion that he was intentionally taking steroids is laughable.
"Steroids? C'mon," he said. "I was 145 pounds in high school, 160 in college and I'm up to maybe 175 now. Look at me. Be serious. People can say whatever they want, but I've played the same way my whole life."
Dixon, who was suspended indefinitely by FIBA after the positive test, said he will have a B sample test on Monday and expects to receive the results of that within the next week.
"If it's OK, I should be good to go," he said.
British Rugby player admits to HGH use.
Terry Newton issued this statement via Hattons Solicitors:
"I can confirm that following a test by UK Anti-Doping on November 24 2009 I received notification of a positive test for a self-administered growth hormone on February 17, 2010. I have formally accepted via my solicitors the findings of the UKAD and consequent punishment that I will receive.
"I wish to formally apologise to my family, friends, colleagues and staff at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, the club's supporters and the game of rugby league.
"I would like to thank the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for their understanding of the position at this time. Whilst they are extremely upset at my actions, they have been very professional in their handling of the situation.
"I have made a grave error of judgment in taking a banned substance and hope that, if nothing else, my stupidity will be a warning to any other professional in any sport of the consequences of doing so. I support the work done by the Rugby Football League in association with the World Anti Doping Association.
"I would ask that my privacy be respected at this time which obviously is distressing for my family and I."
"I can confirm that following a test by UK Anti-Doping on November 24 2009 I received notification of a positive test for a self-administered growth hormone on February 17, 2010. I have formally accepted via my solicitors the findings of the UKAD and consequent punishment that I will receive.
"I wish to formally apologise to my family, friends, colleagues and staff at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, the club's supporters and the game of rugby league.
"I would like to thank the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for their understanding of the position at this time. Whilst they are extremely upset at my actions, they have been very professional in their handling of the situation.
"I have made a grave error of judgment in taking a banned substance and hope that, if nothing else, my stupidity will be a warning to any other professional in any sport of the consequences of doing so. I support the work done by the Rugby Football League in association with the World Anti Doping Association.
"I would ask that my privacy be respected at this time which obviously is distressing for my family and I."
Steroid and Valium source busted in UK.
Police have uncovered £100,000-worth of prescription drugs during a raid on a family home.
The haul has increased concerns about the thriving market for these types of drugs in Sunderland.
Thousands of steroids and Valium tablets – which can fetch up to £1 each – have now been taken off the streets thanks to the police operation.
Officers raided the property, in Hylton Road, Millfield, after concerned members of the community tipped off police.
Officers found the drugs and arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug with intent to supply. He has been released on police bail pending inquiries.
Miami man jailed for nearly six years over supplying counterfeit HGH.
A onetime prescription drug wholesaler has been sentenced to nearly six years behind bars after being convicted of illegally shipping human growth hormones from California to Florida.
Arnesto Segredo, 43, of Miami, was found guilty in August of conspiring to divert prescription drugs Serostim and Nutropin AQ, and causing the diversion of these drugs in interstate commerce.
Segredo had hundreds of boxes of the drugs shipped to him from 2000 through 2002. At the time, he operated Life Extension Institute, an unlicensed Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler. He later operated Genendo Purchasing Organization, a licensed Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler.
Serostim is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of AIDS-wasting syndrome in HIV-infected patients. Nutropin AQ is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, including children with short stature.
According to prosecutors, Segredo received a significant portion of Serostim from AIDS patients in California who obtained it from the state’s Medicaid program.
According to evidence presented in court, the Nutropin AQ that he distributed was counterfeit and harmed one child.
Story from BizJournals. com
Arnesto Segredo, a former prescription drug wholesaler, from Miami, was sentenced to almost six years in prison for conspiring to divert human growth hormones in interstate commerce.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the charges against Segredo, 43, stemmed from causing suppliers in California, not licensed for wholesale distribution of prescription drugs in California, to ship him hundreds of boxes of Serostim, and some Nutropin AQ, from 2000 through the end of 2002.
Segredo operated Life Extension Institute, a Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler not licensed to distribute drugs in Florida. He later operated Genendo Purchasing Organization, which obtained a Florida license in 2001.
Segredo, convicted of two felony counts, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Evidence showed that the Nutropin AQ distributed by Segredo was counterfeit, the U.S. Attorney's office. The counterfeit Nutropin ultimately caused harm to a child, prosecutors charged.
Serostim is an injectable drug approved for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. Nutropin AQ is an injectable drug used to treat growth hormone deficiency, including children.
Story from the Miami Herald .com
Arnesto Segredo, 43, of Miami, was found guilty in August of conspiring to divert prescription drugs Serostim and Nutropin AQ, and causing the diversion of these drugs in interstate commerce.
Segredo had hundreds of boxes of the drugs shipped to him from 2000 through 2002. At the time, he operated Life Extension Institute, an unlicensed Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler. He later operated Genendo Purchasing Organization, a licensed Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler.
Serostim is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of AIDS-wasting syndrome in HIV-infected patients. Nutropin AQ is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, including children with short stature.
According to prosecutors, Segredo received a significant portion of Serostim from AIDS patients in California who obtained it from the state’s Medicaid program.
According to evidence presented in court, the Nutropin AQ that he distributed was counterfeit and harmed one child.
Story from BizJournals. com
Arnesto Segredo, a former prescription drug wholesaler, from Miami, was sentenced to almost six years in prison for conspiring to divert human growth hormones in interstate commerce.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the charges against Segredo, 43, stemmed from causing suppliers in California, not licensed for wholesale distribution of prescription drugs in California, to ship him hundreds of boxes of Serostim, and some Nutropin AQ, from 2000 through the end of 2002.
Segredo operated Life Extension Institute, a Miami-based prescription drug wholesaler not licensed to distribute drugs in Florida. He later operated Genendo Purchasing Organization, which obtained a Florida license in 2001.
Segredo, convicted of two felony counts, was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Evidence showed that the Nutropin AQ distributed by Segredo was counterfeit, the U.S. Attorney's office. The counterfeit Nutropin ultimately caused harm to a child, prosecutors charged.
Serostim is an injectable drug approved for treatment of HIV/AIDS patients. Nutropin AQ is an injectable drug used to treat growth hormone deficiency, including children.
Story from the Miami Herald .com
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