The National Police of Ukraine has dismantled the largest underground anabolic steroid manufacturing operation in the country’s history. The substances were falsely presented as imported sports supplements for athletes. The production facility was based in the Kharkiv region, while the products were distributed across Ukraine under the guise of being made in Malaysia.

According to the National Police, the drugs were manufactured in a regular apartment in gross violation of basic safety and hygiene standards. The substances contained ingredients intended for the treatment of serious illnesses, including cancer. Nevertheless, the products were sold without prescriptions, without medical supervision, and in dangerously high doses.

The investigation identified five individuals involved: two were responsible for production, and three others — brothers from the Lviv region — distributed the products to athletes across Ukraine via online channels. Orders were reportedly dispatched almost daily.

During coordinated raids across Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv regions, law enforcement officers seized over 20,000 packages of anabolic steroids, 3,000 ampoules containing unknown substances, specialized equipment for production and packaging, counterfeit labels and instructions, as well as over 37 million UAH in various currencies.

All five suspects have been charged under Article 321-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for the distribution of knowingly falsified medicinal products using digital technology, committed by an organized group. This is the first official charge in Ukraine’s history for the falsification of anabolic steroids. Authorities were able to prove that the seized products contained active ingredients classified as medicines under Ukrainian law.

The accused face up to 15 years in prison with asset confiscation.

This case sends a strong warning to the sports community. The use of uncertified substances not only endangers athletes’ health but also undermines the integrity of fair competition. The National Anti-Doping Center emphasizes the importance of verifying any substances athletes consume and urges everyone to rely only on trusted, official sources.

🔗 Source: npu.gov.ua

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