According to prosecution officials, the man was a suspect in illegal credit card activities completely unrelated to anabolic steroids. It was during a search of his trash container for proof of these credit card crimes that alleged evidence of steroid usage was accidentally uncovered, ultimately leading to his arrest. Buying steroids over the Internet black market from one of the many illegal overseas sources is the fastest-growing way people are getting busted for steroids. Importing controlled substances is a federal crime. The U.S. Customs Mail Division, which oversees international packages, is authorized to open and inspect suspicious parcels.
Packages can arouse suspicion based upon factors such as look, feel, origin or destination.
The Government maintains a computerized data system including addresses known to be connected with steroids based upon prior shipment seizures, and it will intercept parcels bearing these origin or destination addresses. If the federal authorities discover a package containing steroids, they will hold or seize the package. They can then either send a seizure letter or attempt a controlled delivery. Even if the designated recipient doesn t respond, the addresses of origin and destination and designated recipient s name will be recorded for future reference. The controlled delivery option involves the attempted delivery of the parcel by an undercover federal agent posing as a courier or letter carrier, accompanied by a hidden back-up team.