BANGI: At first glance, it seems to be just an ordinary condominium unit; however, once you step beyond the entrance, an entirely different reality unfolds.
Shelves of unregistered medical products – most being anabolic steroids – line the walls of the unit here.
From injectables and syringes to oral medications, the extensive range of products was systematically organised, similar to the arrangements found in pharmacy cabinets.
Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) and psychotropics were also sold from the unit.
Anabolic steroids and SARMs are classified as performance- enhancing drugs by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Both are generally misused to increase lean muscle mass and improve physical appearance and performance.
The products, believed to be from Germany and Britain based on the labels, were sold between RM100 and RM500.
The condominium unit was one of five premises raided by authorities yesterday in a crackdown on the sale of anabolic steroids.
Four other premises in Klang were raided simultaneously in the joint operation by the Health Ministry’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division, Selangor Health Department and police.
More than 500 products valued at over RM3mil were seized.
It is suspected that all the premises raided were interconnected.
Cracking down: Dr Nur Sufiza Ahmad from the Selangor Health Department checking the products during a special operation in Bangi. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
Pharmacy Enforcement Division director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said several persons have been held to assist in investigations.
“A large number of the products seized comprised anabolic steroids, which were made available both online and in physical locations.
“Their operations had been under observation for the past two months,” he added.
It is believed that the products were either smuggled in or brought through false declarations at entry points.
Mohd Zawawi said the sale and ownership of unregistered medications violated the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, with penalties under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
Upon conviction, individuals can face fines of up to RM25,000 or jail not exceeding three years.
Corporate bodies can be fined up to RM50,000.
According to Mohd Zawawi, yesterday’s raids were a continuation of past crackdowns on the sale and distribution of unregulated medical products.
He reported that since 2020, authorities have conducted 64 raids related to anabolic steroids at various locations such as residences, retail outlets, factories, and even gyms.
Authorities seized over 130,000 products, totalling an accumulated value of RM14mil.
The most commonly seized anabolic steroids included methandrostenolone, stanozolol, oxandrolone and testosterone.
Mohd Zawawi said campaigns were being carried out to increase public awareness about the risks of using unregistered health products.
“Traders, distributors and e-commerce platform providers are reminded to ensure only registered health products with an authentic product registration number and hologram are involved,” he said.
