An international trafficking network of anabolic products intended for bodybuilders has been dismantled and its alleged leader arrested in Spain, the Draguignan prosecutor's office (Var) said on Friday. The investigation began a little over a year ago into this network, which
“mainly used the postal route to deliver to customers and receive payments for illicit products purchased
,” the prosecution said in a press release.
The network, which had been operating since 2020 and
“has been active throughout the national territory and in several European countries”
, was
“led from Spain by a former French bodybuilder, on the run in this country for six years and already convicted for similar facts
. He offered, often via relays or accomplices in sports halls, products
“manufactured mainly in Eastern countries without any guarantee of their quality”
, therefore with possible health risks.
“A coordinated operation, launched on April 16, 2024 in France and Spain, allowed the arrest (of the alleged leader of the network) as well as that of three of his main accomplices in the Perpignan region
,” continues the prosecution.
European arrest warrant
The main suspect, awaiting extradition under a European arrest warrant, resided near Alicante
“in a luxurious house of more than 300 m2 on the heights of the city, and was surrounded by numerous protective measures”
.
“The investigations led to the discovery of a stock of doping products intended for resale with an estimated value of 250,000 euros and accounting elements relating to the traffic and 10,000 euros in cash”
, as well as the seizure of a luxury vehicle.
The three accomplices arrested in the Perpignan region must be presented to an investigating judge, in particular for importation, possession and transfer of classified drugs, money laundering and deliberately endangering others, continues the prosecution. A first operation carried out in November led to the arrest of six people in the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes and the discovery of anabolic drugs
“with a market value of 112,000 euros for resale”
and 15,000 euros in cash.