Guernsey gym goers targetted as States tackle steroid use

It is hoped a new campaign by Guernsey States can help teach more islanders about the potential dangers of taking anabolic steroids.

Anabolic steroids are taken to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance, but can cause serious health problems and potentially dangerous medical conditions - such as high blood pressure, blood clots and heart attacks.

The Misuse of Drugs Advisory Group is working alongside local gyms to actively target people who may be taking, or considering taking, the drugs.

The new government led campaign to prevent use has been prompted by concerns that the number of islanders taking the drug is increasing.

Drug Concern reported a spike in users accessing the Guernsey Needle Exchange last year, which was directly connected to steroid abuse.

Authorities say there is no reason to think Guernsey would be any different from the UK, where a worrying number of young men are taking steroids, looking for instant muscle growth.

The Class C drug can only be sold by pharmacists with a prescription. Illegal importation of anabolic steroids in Guernsey can result in a prison sentence of up to 4 years, depending on the amounts involved.

Guernsey Border Agency made 11 seizures of tablets and vials last year, while five have been made so far during 2017.