Police have disrupted an alleged unlicensed pharmacy that has been selling steroids and prescription medication to people, including those with links to organised crime.
It’s alleged the man, who is a registered pharmacist operating a business without Victorian Pharmacy Approval in Essendon, has been fraudulently obtaining medications, including steroids, and on-selling them to people, including criminal identities.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad have been investigating the matter, engaging with the Victorian Pharmacy Authority and Department of Health throughout the investigation.
On 10 November, detectives conducted a search warrant at a business in Essendon, seizing a significant quantity of prescription medications, including anabolic steroids, as well as imitation firearms.
The man, aged 40 from Essendon was arrested on the day. He was interviewed and subsequently released while police continued to investigate.
Another search warrant was executed at the business in Essendon on 5 April, with police seizing significant quantities of prescription medication, including anabolic steroids.
The Essendon man was charged with multiple counts of forgery, obtain drugs by false representation, possess prescription medication, unauthorised retailing of poisons or controlled substances, unauthorised possession of a poison or controlled substance, trafficking drug of dependence, trafficking anabolic steroids and trafficking testosterone.
The man has been bailed to appear at the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on 19 October.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson:
“Victoria Police is absolutely committed to disrupting all aspects of organised crime, and in this case the alleged trafficking of performance enhancing drugs to those running in these circles.”
“We will continue to investigate all facets of organised crime, and work with our partners to ensure those involved in organised criminal behaviour are held to account.”
