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Australian Border Force (ABF) investigators have charged a South Australian man, 61, over the alleged importation of performance and image‑enhancing drugs (PIEDs), including anabolic and androgenic substances (steroids), for supply through a GP clinic.
The investigation began in October 2025, when ABF Air Cargo officers examined three international consignments addressed to a Woodville medical clinic and located vials of steroids.
Intelligence checks identified 11 additional parcels sent to the same name and address, and that the man was recorded as a General Practitioner but was prohibited from practising medicine and didn't hold a medical licence.
On 25 November 2025, ABF investigators, with assistance from South Australia Police (SAPOL) executed search and seizure warrants at the man's business and residential addresses.
At the business premises (medical centre) officers seized 242 vials of liquid steroids, $21,000 cash, multiple electronic devices, and packaging materials.
At the residential premises officers seized 107 vials and bottles of peptides and anabolic and androgenic substances, a mobile phone and a computer.
ABF officers then arrested the man for importing Tier 1 goods, namely steroids, contrary to section 233BAA (4) of the Customs Act 1901. The man is scheduled to appear in Adelaide Magistrates court today (Wednesday, 21 January 2026).
ABF A/Inspector Michael Foster said ABF officers use data‑driven targeting and intelligence‑led screening to identify and disrupt illicit importations
“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, not supporting their fitness goals," A/Inspector Foster said.
“Australians should be able to trust that anyone offering health services is acting in their best interests. Criminals pushing unregulated steroids aren't interested in your wellbeing; they're interested in profit.
“Our officers apply risk‑based targeting, behavioural analysis and intelligence‑led screening across air cargo, mail and sea freight. Whether offenders rely on concealment, misdirection or misuse of a business front, they should expect scrutiny and they should expect enforcement.
“As people set new fitness goals for the year ahead, it's worth remembering that legitimate gains never come from illegal shortcuts. These substances carry real risks, and the ABF will continue to target anyone seeking to profit from them.
“While the saying 'no pain, no gain' may motivate some people in their athletic pursuits, the pain of breaking the law will only gain you a legal headache."
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has issued a public warning about the cancelled and prohibited medical practitioner. Under law, he cannot provide any health services, whether as a medical practitioner or a naturopath, and remains under investigation.
Ahpra CEO Justin Untersteiner said registered medical practitioners have to meet high safety and quality standards that put their patients first. Anyone who attempts to offer health services and products illegally, and without these safeguards, puts their customers at serious risk.
Anyone with information about suspicious border activity, including illegal importations, can report it anonymously via Border Watch.
By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
Media contact: media@abf.gov.au
