Efforts of Lebanon’s authorities to detect dealers of steroids

A two-year investigation detected and shut a large-scale laboratory connected with steroids. The investigation was conducted under name “Operation Bulk Up”. It was a well-planned activity of the certain authorities in Lebanon (Ohio).
As it was found out, a dealer of steroids sold these products to members of the Cardio Strength Center of the YMCA. So, when the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office was informed about it, the investigations began. The authority made a decision to send an officer who had to pretend being a member of the YMCA to the steroid dealer. Major John Burke, the leader of the Warren County Drug Task Force, was chosen for this need.
Mike Caroll, the President and CEO of the YMCA, was the only person at this association who knew about the investigation. He had ability to keep all things he knew about the activity of the Drug Task Force in secret. So, a large-scale organization connected with distribution of steroids was detected.
32 persons were involved in the illegal activity linked with distribution of steroids. They were charged with corrupt activities, trafficking and possession of steroids. The investigation planned to detect only manufacturers and distributors of steroids. However it didn’t focus on persons that bought these products, the officials noted that professional athletes and bodybuilders belonged to the customers.
The proper authorities seized 600,000 dollars which were claimed to be a profit from selling of steroids, 300, 000 dollars in cash and vehicles and 100 weapons.
Mike Caroll, the President and CEO of the YMCA told openly to media about the results of the investigation. He was not afraid to note that he had taken part in this activity to detect the criminal organization. Caroll said that he was too glad to find out about the positive results.
It is necessary to note that it was difficult to detect the illegal organization. The undercover agent had to put efforts to buy steroids from a distributor. As a result of the investigation, an underground laboratory in Tennessee was detected. It produced steroids in injectable form. The raw was transported from China. The leaders of selling were Ronald Herbort and Matthew Geraci.
According to Major Burke, face-to-face interactions between dealers and clients were avoided in this organization. There was a special organized locker system which gave possibility to avoid personal interactions.
However this illegal activity linked with production and selling of steroids was well-organized, the law-enforcement could detect it to close the lab. This investigation is an example that confirms following statement: if the authority gives main priority to such investigations, positive results can be achieved.