Clandestine Laboratory in Alicante Dismantled with Capacity to Produce 3 Million Doses of Anabolic Steroids

Officers from the National Police have dismantled a clandestine laboratory in the province of Alicante dedicated to the production and distribution of anabolic steroids. The active ingredient was sourced from Asian countries, enabling the production of over 3,000,000 doses. The criminal group, consisting of 11 individuals, ensured high security by delivering the products personally. In six raids, more than 300,000 doses of illegal products, three kilograms of various active ingredients, thousands of vials and empty capsules, as well as over 4,300 euros, were seized.

The investigation began when officers learned that a man, along with his close circle, might be manufacturing anabolic steroid medications—used for enhancing athletic performance—in a clandestine laboratory in Alicante, to later distribute them to end customers. As the investigation progressed, it was discovered that deliveries were made personally and only to highly trusted individuals. This allowed the criminal activity to be conducted with a high degree of security, as sales were only made inside homes or very private locations, significantly hindering police efforts.

The active ingredient of the various substances was primarily obtained from Asian countries, arriving in packages with fictitious contents such as flour, pasta, or nutritional supplements. It was then processed manually in a laboratory located in a different residence from where the group's leader lived. There, without adequate hygienic conditions, it was mixed with oils, colorants, and other cutting agents to achieve a product with a high degree of purity.

The group's leader had an extensive network of distributors who were part of his close circle and worked under his command, serving end consumers. This criminal activity provided him with an income that could exceed 15,000 euros per month.

As a result of the investigations, it was discovered that one of the distributors intended to expand the business nationally by proposing to the leader the creation of a brand with attractive labeling to enhance credibility and attract new customers. Ultimately, this market strategy was not pursued, as a high volume of sales could draw attention and expose their criminal network.

Once the group members were identified and the location of the clandestine laboratory was pinpointed, raids and searches were conducted, locating the residence where the laboratory was hidden and where the main suspect spent most of his time manufacturing illegal drugs.

More than 300,000 doses of illegal anabolic-steroid medications, 44 different types of active ingredients totaling three kilograms—potentially yielding over 3,000,000 doses once manufacturing was complete—precipitation vessels, a centrifuge, encapsulators, thousands of empty capsules and vials, and over 4,300 euros were seized. The 11 arrested individuals were brought before the judicial authority as alleged members of a criminal group and for offenses against public health.