The Iron-Garfield Counties Narcotics Task Force has compared anabolic steroid underground labs (“UGLs”) to dangerous and hazardous methamphetamine labs (“meth labs”). Task force officer Melissa Fritz-Fuller made the comparison when announcing the arrest of Mark Sherratt of Liquipharm Labs. Sherratt allegedly manufactured steroids from raw powders in a clandestine laboratory at his home; Liquipharm steroids and ancillary drugs were reportedly sold directly from his Liberty Lending office in Cedar City, Utah as well as extensively on the Internet.
The dangers association with meth labs are well-known and include risk of contamination with hazardous and toxic chemicals and increased risk of fire and/or explosion. The comparison with UGLs erroneously suggests that the risk of manufacturing underground anabolic steroids is comparable to methamphetamine “cooking” (“Narcotic task force arrest businessman,” July 16).
The lab was similar to one used to make methamphetamines, Fritz-Fuller said, and officers found hazardous powders imported from China to make the steroids, as well as glassware, bottles and labeling.
The powders, testosterone and anabolic steroids found are controlled substances, which can be prosecuted both locally and federally, Fritz-Fuller added.
Law enforcement has unfairly demonized anabolic steroids by making comparisons between anabolic steroid users and methamphetamine/cocaine users. They have tried to convince the general public and the media that anabolic steroids are just as harmful as methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin; similarly, they allege that steroid users represent a dangerous threat to society comparable to users of narcotic drugs.
The credibility of federal and state law enforcement agencies who try to equate anabolic steroids with methamphetamines and narcotic drugs continues to suffer.
Houston DEA Special Agent Zoran Yankovich promotes anti-steroid propaganda with statements such as: Those arrests today are no different than traditional drug dealers peddling their poison -methamphetamines and cocaine and heroin “ on the street corner.
Similarly, the United States Customs and Border Patrol encourages the suspension of disbelief to justify the steroid witch-hunt, “Steroids are treated like any other illegal drug that threatens the American public – like all illegal narcotics, their sale and possession represent critical links in a larger criminal process, one that funds terrorism, death, and addiction around the world.”
The cleanup and rehabitation of residences/facilities that were formerly used as methamphetamine labs is a serious concern. However, steroid UGLs do not respresent such a threat during operation nor during cleanup.
While still in operation, or prior to a seizure, there is a high risk for acute exposure to harmful chemicals in meth labs. […]
Many of the chemicals used in the cooking process can be harmful. Short-term exposures to high concentrations of chemical vapors that may exist in a functioning meth lab can cause severe health problems or even death. For this reason, meth cookers, their families, and first responders are at highest risk of acute health effects from chemical exposure, including lung damage and chemical burns to different parts of the body. Heating solvents inside a building can create a highly flammable situation; meth labs are often discovered when fire fighters respond to a blaze. […]
Residues of methamphetamine and other chemicals remaining at a former meth lab are a concern for people who later use the property. For this reason, local health departments should thoroughly assess the property for hazards prior to allowing it to be re-inhabited, especially if by children.
When a meth lab is discovered in a multiple-unit dwelling, neighbors may be concerned about their exposure to hazardous chemicals while the lab was still active. Neighbors’ risk for exposure is usually very low, but it is important to address any nearby residents’ concerns.
These risks and dangers are clearly NOT associated with anabolic steroid UGLs. An Iron-Garfield Narcotics Task Force agent described the relatively innocuous materials seized from the Cedar City UGL (“Task force busts steroid lab in Cedar City,” July 16).
The Iron-Garfield Narcotics Task Force received an anonymous tip about a month ago and began surveillance. After gathering evidence, they raided the man’s home and business, finding a full steroids lab in the home.
“We found all the ingredients to make designer steroids,” said task force agent Brian Bairett. “He had all the bottles and a capping machine, burners, glassware and we found the powders he had shipped in from China.”
Mark Sherratt was released on bail from the”Iron County Jail”. The suspect is accused of selling steroid to local bodybuilders but also allegedly solicited customers via the internet and email. The steroid business was described as “having sales, just like JC Penney’s would” according task force agent Brian Bairett. Sherratt could potential face federal charges if he shipped steroids to customers outside of Utah.
About the author
Millard writes about anabolic steroids and performance enhancing drugs and their use and impact in sport and society. He discusses the medical and non-medical uses of anabolic-androgenic steroids while advocating a harm reduction approach to steroid education.
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