DEA steroid arrests top 100

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced Monday the arrest of 124 people in what it considers the largest investigation into illegal steroids in U.S. history.

Among those arrested are four people from Western Washington.

Agents working as part of "Operation Raw Deal" arrested four people in Aberdeen on Thursday, said Rhett Fonseca, DEA spokesman. Other arrests were made in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Rhode Island, Missouri and Connecticut.

Investigators plan to make another 19 arrests, according to a DEA news release.

Fonseca said that Ray Ross of Aberdeen "was receiving the steroids from China and distributing it to San Diego and other states."

Ross, owner of Samar Labs, was charged federally with one count of conspiracy to import anabolic steroids, Fonseca said. Authorities said he obtained "raw steroid powder from sources primarily located in China," court charging papers said.

Steroids were produced at the Samar Labs in Aberdeen, then shipped out, charging papers said.

Three other Aberdeen residents were arrested, including a relative of Ross' for investigation of possession of human-growth hormones. The two others are men who worked with Ross. One was arrested for investigation of attempt to destroy evidence, and the other was arrested for investigation of possession of steroids.

Operation Raw Deal focused on the global underground trade of anabolic steroids, human growth hormones and insulin growth factor.

Investigators also looked into the underground trafficking of ancillary and counterfeit medications, the DEA said.

Agents targeted raw-material manufacturers and suppliers in China and other countries; underground anabolic laboratories in the United States, Canada and Mexico; and numerous U.S.-based Web sites distributing materials, or conversion kits, necessary to convert raw steroid powders into finished product.

Agents also examined Internet bodybuilding discussion boards where people can learn how to find, purchase and use performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids, the DEA said. Many of the underground steroids labs targeted in the case advertise and are endorsed on these message boards.

Investigators closed down 56 steroid labs across the U.S. and seized $6.5 million, 25 vehicles, three boats, 27 pill presses and 71 weapons. Agents in Aberdeen seized numerous steroid products, a new boat, firearms and about $4,330 in cash.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com