A joint operation by the Italian Carabinieri led to the dismantling of a doping drug trafficking network that operated between San Marino, Rimini and Rome. (See previous news) After a three-year investigation that started with the arrest of a 51-year-old from Rimini in 2021, three people were arrested and another 25 are under investigation for a series of crimes, including criminal conspiracy, importation illegal substances harmful to public health and recycling. The network involved a clandestine laboratory where drugs were assembled to inflate muscles and improve performance in the gym.
Investigations revealed that the substances were imported mainly from China and assembled in clandestine laboratories in the province of Salerno. Subsequently, the finished product was transferred to a warehouse in San Marino and then distributed in Italy. Among the substances seized are anabolic steroids, stimulants and products for erectile dysfunction, for a total of 26 bottles of the so-called “rape drug”, 1,200 vials of nandrolone, 20 kg of ephedrine and 400 kg of active ingredients for the production of anabolics, steroids and growth hormones, as well as 700 thousand tablets already packaged and ready for sale.
The operation involved over 50 Carabinieri and Europol personnel to investigate the transnational profiles of criminal activity. Those arrested were subjected to warrant interrogation, while the judge reserves the decision on their possible home detention. This is a serious blow to the trafficking of doping substances in the world of fitness and nutrition, with dangerous implications for public health. The first guarantee interrogation was held yesterday in Rimini.
