Steroid seizures by Guernsey customs officers double in 12 months

Anabolic steroids are commonly used by people seeking better muscle growth and athletic performance Credit: PA

Customs officials in Guernsey seized more than twice as many steroids at the island's borders last year compared to the previous figures in 2021, according to a new police report.

The quantities of the Class C drugs being imported to the island have also changed- the amount imported in tablets was up 75% but the amount imported in vials was just under a sixth compared to 2021.

Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of testosterone and can be taken to increase muscle mass and improve athletic performance.

Luke Graham who is a personal trainer, spoke to ITV News about his past addiction to steroids. He said: "I did steroids on five separate occasions in my life usually just before summer when I hadn't worked hard and I knew I was a bit out of shape."

He describes using one anabolic, trenbolone, saying "I wouldn't do that again, I wouldn't do steroids full stop. That made me bright red, sweating constantly, veins popping out of my eyeballs and angry and big-time inside my own head"

The use of anabolic steroids can pose a serious health risk, leading to high blood pressure, blood clots and heart attacks.

Long-term repeated use can also lead to kidney and liver failure.

Andrea Nightingale, from Guernsey's Health and Improvement Commission, said: "Steroids can affect you both mentally and physically, you can start with headaches and stomach aches but then it can go to nausea and longer-term use is liver and kidney damage as well as high blood pressure and blood clots."

"It can also change a person's behaviour so they can become very aggressive and mood swings, become very anxious and in some cases paranoia" she continued.

Steroids are classified as an illegal class C drug with Guernsey's Police Chief, Ruari Hardy, saying steroids are often purchased across the internet and dark web: "We know a lot of people use the gym and body image and that social influence is impacting on people seeking out steroids to enhance that aspect of life." he said.

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