A visit by plain clothes police to a shop in Málaga specialising in nutritional supplements and dietary products for athletes has resulted in the detention of the shop owner and the confiscation of nearly 1,000 doses of anabolic steroids.
The black market in performance enhancing drugs is still booming, despite the sometimes fatal consequences of long-term usage and the prospects of athletes being caught and subsequently labelled ‘cheat’.
The steroids, over 900 capsules and 50 injectable doses, were apparently available ‘under the counter’ at the Málaga shop. The drugs were from Russia, France and Portugal and are normally only available on prescription by a doctor.
The types of anabolics used in sport are:
Growth Hormones – These regenerate cells at an accelerated rate and enhance the production of muscle.
Steroids – These develop the muscles and subsequent strength of the athlete.
Side effects – Nausia, insomnia, depression, tachycardia and, in the long run, cardiovascular disease and cancer.