Australian Border Force (ABF) officers in Western Australia have dismantled a performance and image enhancing drug (PIEDs) operation after seizing thousands steroid vials and tablets.
The investigation began in March 2025, when air cargo officers in Victoria intercepted a consignment destined for Perth, which was found to contain 1kg of testosterone addressed to a fake name.
A second linked consignment was intercepted in NSW, also containing 1kg of testosterone.
Last week, WA ABF officers conducted a search warrant at a residential addresses in the southern suburbs of Perth. They located and seized:
- More than 2kgs of powdered PIEDs and several hundred tablets and vials
- Mobile phones, laptops and digital storage devices
The ABF officers also located an imitation firearm and suspected narcotics, which were referred to the Western Australian Police Force.
At a second residential address, officers located an active PIEDs laboratory and significant evidence of PIEDs distribution, including glassware, a commercial grade freeze dryer, and commercial packaging and labels.
Here they seized 2000 vials, 7000 tablets, 5.4 litres of liquid and more than 5kg of anabolic steroid powder.
ABF Superintendent Kirsty Baldassar said the ABF uses risk-based targeting, behavioural analysis and intelligence-led screening to identify criminals pushing the limits of the law by repeatedly importing prohibited products.
"As part of ABF's role as the protector of Australia's border integrity, our officers diligently assess intelligence to identify the importation and distribution of border controlled substances," said Superintendent Kirsty Baldassar.
"Performance and image enhancing drugs are regulated in Australia for good reasons, as they can have severe health impacts for users. Criminals do not care about the risks they create for the people using the products, they only think only about the potential profits."
"Our presence across the country ensures all imports, whether air, mail or sea, are scrutinised by our committed and highly skilled officers."
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact the security of Australia's borders is urged to report to Border Watch online. By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community.
