Pocono News Section

Wide Open Steroid Sales On Internet

Wide Open Steroid Sales On Internet - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 5:52PM EST

Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007 @05:52pm EST

One day after the feds announce a massive drug bust involving anabolic steroids wbre news discovers those same drugs can be bought by young athletes from a home computer.

Operation raw deal was the biggest steroid crackdown in U.S. history.

It shut down steroid labs and dealers nationwide, and right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Here, investigators say dealers used the internet to sell their product.

From chat rooms to message boards, to Myspace profiles, steroids seem to be only a click away.

Finding steroid sellers online is easy.

Our google search led to the anabolic review forum, boasting a suppliers list if you're looking for steroids.

Investigators say local steroid dealers used message boards like this to lure local high school athletes.

Dallas schools superintendent Frank Galicki says his district helps athletes avoid steroid abuse, with random drug testing.

"sometimes they look for a some type of magic step or magic pill to get them faster, quicker stronger,” says Galicki.

But 9 local arrests in an international steroid sting proves there could be problems in our area.

Check out responses to the sting on this national message board.

One user says, narcs are using forums like this to get people, so watch out.

Another asks, anyone know which underground labs got busted?

This user says police got their leads from internet forums, I’m sure the DEA is reading reactions right now.

Steroids are illegal in the U.S., but not in some countries that users and dealers buy from.

They use websites, like this one to pump their product, illegally.

Galicki says no students have tested positive for steroids since Dallas schools began testing in 2000.

He hopes young athletes prepare the right way.

"just getting ready for competition without having to use any outside drug," says Galicki.

And hopefully steering clear of a wide open internet message boards promoting steroids.

The local connection to operation raw deal will become more clear in the upcoming weeks.

9 arrests were made in Northeastern Pennsylvania, but investigators won't say where, or release the suspects names.

They say more arrests could be made, and as we saw on those message boards, it seems like the users and dealers are aware