Calls have been made for increased Garda enforcement against the importation of illegal performance enhancing drugs because of the rise in health related illnesses. “There is a need to deal with it as both a health and a justice matter. Ms O’Reilly said the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána’s role was in tackling the importation and sale of illegal substances. Chief executive of the HPRA Lorraine Nolan said at the launch that the side effects of anabolic steroid use included heart failure, liver issues, kidney damage, and infertility as well as acne and hair loss. Mr Flanagan said his department and An Garda Síochána would continue to prioritise this as an issue using the criminal justice “deterrent factor”.

Source: The Irish Times November 30, 2018 16:41 UTC