Two men have been arrested after police raided a laboratory in Sittingbourne, believed to have been used to supply illegal steroids.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) carried out a number of warrants across the county on Thursday, December 6, as part of a multi-agency operation.

Working in conjunction with Kent Police, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD), and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the team uncovered the lab in Quartz Way, which is suspected to have been used to create counterfeit drugs and medicines, along with a substantial amount of Class C drugs – believed to be steroids.

The arrested men have since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Gary Sayer, from ERSOU, said: “This was clearly an established operation in relation to the creation and supply of illegal drugs so we were really pleased with the results of the warrants.

“The sale of such drugs is not only illegal, but the drugs can have extremely dangerous consequences to anyone taking them.

"I would like to urge the public to think twice before buying any type of medicine or drugs online.”

Tariq Sarwar, head of operations at MHRA, said: “It is a serious criminal offence to illegally sell medicines online and we work tirelessly with law enforcement colleagues to identify and prosecute people that put public safety at risk.

“Criminals who sell medicines over the internet are exploiting vulnerable people and have absolutely no regard for your health.”

UK Anti-Doping’s director of operations, Pat Myhill, added: “Steroids are banned in sport via the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List, and can have hugely damaging effects to health.

“It is imperative that anyone thinking of taking steroids, be they an athlete who could receive a lengthy ban from sport or a member of the public, be aware of the significant risks to health, including heart attacks, strokes, infertility and liver and kidney failure.

“To uncover such an established operation is a pleasing result and highlights the importance of collaboration between multiple agencies, as well as the importance of receiving intelligence.

"If you have any suspicions regarding doping in sport, please share this information with us.”

Police chiefs recommend visiting www.gov.uk/fakemeds for tips on buying medicines safely online and how to avoid unscrupulous sites.

Anyone with suspicions of doping being used in sport is urged to call UKAD's intelligence and investigations team on 020 7842 3443 or CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 08000 322332