Mega raid: millions of doping substances found, 234 arrests

In an unprecedented anti-doping crackdown, European security authorities in 33 countries have cracked down on the trade in anabolic steroids and counterfeit drugs. Italian investigators also took part in the “largest operation of its kind” to date, called “Operation Viribus”. 234 suspects have apparently been arrested, nine drug laboratories in Europe have been raided and tons of doping drugs have been confiscated. Accordingly, 24 tons of steroid powder alone were seized. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the international police authority Interpol were also involved in the operation, which was led by the Italian and Greek police.

“This is a common fight against sports fraud on the continent” WADA investigator Günter Younger “We stand ready to continue this type of role in any ongoing operation. This is a joint fight against sports fraud on the continent,” said WADA chief investigator Günter Younger, according to a statement from WADA. Apart from this, there will continue to be partnerships with state investigative authorities in Europe and the world, emphasized Younger.

According to Europol, a total of around 3,8 million doping substances and counterfeit medications were seized. 17 organized gangs were exposed and 839 cases were initiated. The focus was on breaking up underground laboratories. The doping substances are sold both online and in fitness centers or illegal shops. Consumers are predominantly “gym addicts” “Over the past 20 years, the global trade in anabolic steroids has increased dramatically,” said Europol. Consumers are primarily “fitness center addicts” and bodybuilders. “Non-professional athletes, cyclists and bodybuilders” would obtain small packages of steroids in Asia or Eastern Europe and deliver them to fitness centers. Social media is increasingly being used for advertising and sales.

Investigations into the so-called “Operation Aderlass” are currently ongoing in connection with doping in sport. At the end of February, the Austrian Federal Criminal Police Office arrested several people, including athletes, at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Seefeld. In Germany, an Erfurt sports doctor is at the center of the investigation as the suspected mastermind of a suspected network. According to current findings, at least 21 athletes from eight countries and five winter and summer sports in Europe, South Korea and Hawaii are said to have practiced banned autologous blood doping. According to the ARD doping editorial team, he is also a former South Tyrolean Biathlete Daniel Taschler involved .

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Mega raid: millions of doping substances found, 234 arrests

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