Two charged after Nanaimo steroid bust

[F.I.S.T. Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close F.I.S.T.]

Nanaimo RCMP have charged two Nanaimo suspects with trafficking in steroids after a search turned up $6,400 worth of the substance.

Isaac Haack, 19, and Rachel Krusto, 19, were arrested when plainclothes officers arranged a meeting to allegedly purchase the steroids. The pair were arrested without incident and taken into custody, and their Range Rover was seized.

Police later searched a home in the 2000-block of Goldfinch Crescent and seized 21 different anabolic steroids along with two laptops and cell phones.

“It is alleged these persons were involved in the sale and distribution of anabolic steroids throughout western Canada and were advertising on various social-networking sites, including Hotmail,” said Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O’Brien.

The pair are scheduled to appear July 19 in Nanaimo Provincial Court.

[lthiii Member Find all posts View Profile Close lthiii]

that's a damn shame. Would want LE to go and fight any actual criminals... oh no... wouldnt want that! Gotta get those pesky bodybuilder off the stree instead.

[F.I.S.T. Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close F.I.S.T.]

It is a common knowledge that the internet is one of the primary sources of anabolic steroids. There are countless online stores selling various types of steroids and other performance enhancing substances. While an online purchase can be done in one click, many are still doing the traditional method, selling steroids directly to the buyers. For those people who want to earn more profit they use both strategies.

But not all are lucky enough in circumventing the law. Just recently, two persons were arrested by Canadian law enforcement officers for selling steroids to undercover operatives. The suspects were also alleged selling steroids in the internet using several social media sites.

Suspects were Teenagers

However, it becomes a concern for the authorities because the suspects are in their teens. Isaac Harvey Haack and Rachel Irene Krusto, both 19 years old, were arrested last weekend near a gas station in Nanaimo, BC. According to police reports, operatives arranged for an entrapment of the two suspects by purchasing steroids at the designated location. A search on their car revealed an undisclosed amount of steroids.

A follow up operation of the Nanaimo RCMP yielded more steroids. A search on the home of the suspect resulted to the seizure of 21 different kinds of anabolic steroids which was estimated to be around $6,400. Two laptop computers and cellphones were also confiscated because it may have been used by the suspects in selling steroids on the internet.

Used Social Networking Sites

A police spokesman told the media that Haack and Krusto were advertising in social networking sites to peddle and distribute the controlled substances. Authorities also estimated that the two were able to sell hundreds of pills to bodybuilding enthusiasts and had a customer base in Western Canada.

Anabolic steroids are very popular in the bodybuilding arena because it can help in the dramatic development of muscles and stamina. Many athletes, whether in the collegiate and high school level, are also using steroids in the hopes that it will help them become better athletes. But steroids are controlled substances and prohibited in almost all sports organizations.

Haack Suspended by the TimberMen

Haack is not an ordinary guy. It turned out that the suspect is an elite player in the Nanaimo Junior A Timbermen lacrosse team. According to Nanaimo head coach Dave Bremner, the team only learned about the incident when he was contacted by the media. Bremner said that they are concerned about the incident and the team immediately called a meeting with the players. It is not yet clear if other lacrosse players are involved in the illegal trade of Haack or they also purchased steroids from the suspect. Coach Bremner told the Nanaimo Daily News that lacrosse players in the Junior A level are not tested for steroids.

The B.C. Junior A Lacrosse League declined to comment on Haack’s case but insiders said the league will also conduct their own investigation on the matter.

Haack and Krusto Released on Bail

The teenagers were charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking but were released after posting bail. Both are scheduled to appear at the Nanaimo provincial court on July 19.