A Western Australian man has been fined over $120,000 for importing human growth hormones into Australia.
The man pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one count of attempting to import human growth hormones and two counts of importing Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs), in contravention of the Customs Act 1901 (The Act).
He was also charged with three counts of unlawful possession of SARMs and cannaboid (CBD) oil.
Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected the prohibited substances at postal gateway facilities across the country, with the human growth hormone contained within small vials and the SARMS in sachets concealed within packages labelled as ‘fruit’.
ABF investigators executed a warrant at the man’s Madora Bay premises, locating and seizing large quantities of the SARMs and CBD oil, as well as equipment consistent with the manufacturing and distribution of SARMs. This included needles and syringes, food colouring and flavouring and vials.
ABF acting Assistant Commissioner West James Copeman said the successful prosecution reaffirms the ABF’s commitment to ensuring those attempting to import prohibited items without the correct licences face tough financial penalties.
“Our officers are proving time and time again that no matter how well these items are concealed, we have the technology and intelligence network to detect, seize and prosecute criminals,” A/Assistant Commissioner Copeman said.
“The use of human growth hormone without a prescription is illegal, and people should be extremely careful when considering a purchase from these backyard businesses, as like all illicit drugs you never really know what you are putting in your body.”