Finnish Customs uncovers large doping trade in South Ostrobothnia

Finnish Customs has concluded an investigation into the suspected illegal import and sale of doping substances and medicines in South Ostrobothnia. The trade may have reached buyers across Finland, including minors, Yle reports.

Customs seized 22,450 doping products, most of them anabolic steroids, as well as nearly 33,000 medicines. The medicines included telmisartan, clenbuterol and isotretinoin.

Investigators suspect the products were sold through the Tor network and messaging services. The suspected trade generated more than 270,000 euros, and Customs seized products valued at 280,000 euros.

A messaging account used by the main suspect contained 23,000 lines of discussion about sales, according to the investigation leader, Tommi Hartman. The suspects allegedly tried to conceal their activities using pseudonyms and false personal details. They mainly paid for purchases with virtual currency, but also used cash and, initially, bank transfers.

Several people are suspected in the case. Two main suspects face allegations of aggravated doping offences and smuggling. One of them remains in custody. The case has been referred to prosecutors in Western Finland for consideration of charges.

By the end of September, Customs had seized more than 56,000 doping products in Finland this year, compared with more than 16,000 during the same period last year. Hartman said sales increasingly take place online and that buyers may include minors.