A 61-year-old South Australian man has been charged after investigators alleged he imported performance and image-enhancing drugs through an Adelaide medical clinic despite being prohibited from practising medicine.
Australian Border Force investigators said the probe began in October 2025 when air cargo officers examined three international consignments addressed to a Woodville clinic and allegedly found vials of anabolic and androgenic steroids.
Further intelligence checks identified 11 more parcels sent to the same name and address. Investigators allege the recipient was recorded as a general practitioner but was banned from practising and did not hold a medical licence.
On 25 November 2025, ABF investigators, assisted by South Australia Police, executed search warrants at the man’s business and home. At the medical centre, officers allegedly seized 242 vials of liquid steroids, about $21,000 in cash, electronic devices and packaging materials. At the residential address, they allegedly located a further 107 vials and bottles of peptides and anabolic substances, along with a mobile phone and computer.
The man was arrested and charged with importing Tier 1 goods, namely steroids, contrary to the Customs Act 1901. He is due to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
ABF Acting Inspector Michael Foster said officers used intelligence-led screening to disrupt illicit imports. “PIEDs are regulated in Australia for good reasons. Steroids can seriously damage your health, and anyone distributing them without proper authority is putting people at risk,” he said.
He warned that the ABF applies risk-based targeting across air cargo, mail and sea freight, adding that “illegal shortcuts” carry real risks and consequences.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has issued a public warning about the cancelled and prohibited practitioner, saying he cannot provide any health services and remains under investigation. Ahpra chief executive Justin Untersteiner said registered doctors must meet strict safety and quality standards, and anyone offering health services or products illegally puts customers at serious risk.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
