The Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force has taken its investigation of anabolic steroid smuggling into the high schools.
The team arrested three juveniles yesterday, who made a drug run to Mexico for the sterioids.
Today, they're searching for a dozen or more kids who invested money in the scheme.
News Specialist Shelley Osterloh has more.
The three high school athletes from Davis and Layton High Schools were caught when they returned home with about 15-thousand dollars worth of drugs--- drugs designed to make athletes stronger and faster, but that can also cause some serious health problems.
The boys, 16 and 17 years old -- told their parents they were camping. Instead they drove to Tijuana, Mexico.
Syringes, muscle relaxants and injectable anabolic steroids not even intended for humans-- they are veterinary drugs.
Investigators say about 12 students from Davis, Clearfield, Layton and Northridge High schools chipped in to raise $2,500 for the buy.
Lt. Ted Ellison/Commander, Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force: I THINK IT IS A GROWING TREND. WE'VE SEEN THE ABUSE OF THE STEROIDS IN A LITTLE OLDER AGE GROUP [EDIT] WE ARE KIND OF SURPRISED TO SEE IT AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.
John Flint/Athletic Dir. Davis High School: AS FAR AS THE USE, I REALLY DON'T KNOW... HOW MUCH IS HERE. I KNOW THERE'S STUDENTS THAT INDICATE THERE IS SOME AND SO WE JUST KIND OF BLANKET COVERAGE AS FAR AS WHAT WE DISCUSS.
A Davis High health teacher says when he asked his students if they knew someone who used anabolic steroids, half the class raised their hands.
We spoke with athletes at nearby Bountiful High, and they say, while they don't take performance enhancing drugs, they understand the pressure that can drive a student to take steroids.
Mile Ridling/Senior: A LOT OF PEOPLE TAKE STEROIDS TO MAKE THEM BIGGER, FASTER, STRONGER.
Brandt Olson/Seniort: PRESSURE FROM FRIENDS, OTHER STUDENTS, THEY WANT TO BE BIGGER. STAND OUT IN THE CROWD, WIN FIGHTS. STUFF LIKE THAT.
Shelley Osterloh: WIN SCHOLARSHIPS?
Student: YEA.
Coaches and teachers say they will stress the harmful affects of steroids, and urge parents to help too.
Larry Wall/Coach/Bountiful H.S. Football: WE TRY TO EDUCATE, LET THEM KNOW THE DANGERS. ONE THING WE CAN DO AS COACHES IS TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO STEROID USE. GOOD NUTRITION, GOOD EXERCISE.
Jay Welk/Coach Davis H.S. Basketball: SAME THING WITH THE PARENTS. JUST DON'T ASSUME EVERYTHING IS FINE, BECAUSE IN THE SITUATIONS WE DEALT WITH WE'VE GONE INTO THE HOMES AND THE PARENTS WERE JUST SHOCKED THAT THEIR CHILDREN WERE INVOLVED.
The harmful effects of steroid use are increased acne, decreased sperm production and possible sterility, elevated blood pressure and possible heart and liver problems.
May 6, 2002
