Operation Bulk Up in Lebanon (Ohio)

A two-year investigation detected and closed a large-scale underground lab related to steroids. The investigation was conducted under name “Operation Bulk Up”. It was a well-organized activity of the proper authorities in Lebanon (Ohio).
As it was found out, a dealer of steroids distributed these medications to members of the Cardio Strength Center of the YMCA. So, when the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office was informed about it, the investigations began. The authority made a decision to send an officer that had to pretend being a member of the YMCA to the steroid distributor. Major John Burke, the leader of the Warren County Drug Task Force, was chosen for this goal.
Mike Caroll, the President and CEO of the YMCA, was the only individual at this association that knew about the investigation. He had ability to keep all details he knew about the plans of the Drug Task Force in secret. So, a large-scale organization linked with distribution of steroids was detected.
32 persons participated in the illegal activity linked with distribution of steroids. They were charged with corrupt activities, trafficking and possession of steroids. The investigation planned to catch just manufacturers and distributors of steroids. However it didn’t focus on people who got these preparations, the officials mentioned that professional sportsmen and bodybuilders belonged to the customers.
The proper authorities seized 600,000 dollars which were claimed to be a profit from selling of steroids, 300, 000 dollars in cash and vehicles and 100 weapons.
Mike Caroll, the President and CEO of the YMCA told openly to media about the results of the investigation. He didn’t fear to note that he had participated in this activity to detect the criminal organization. Caroll pointed out that he was very happy to find out about the positive results.
It is necessary to mention that it was quite difficult to detect the criminal organization. Major Burke had to put efforts to get steroids from a dealer. As a result of the investigation, an underground laboratory in Tennessee was detected. It manufactured steroids in injectable form. The raw was bought from China. The leaders of distribution were Ronald Herbort and Matthew Geraci.
According to Major Burke, direct interactions between dealers and clients were avoided in this organization. There was a specific organized locker system which helped to prevent personal interactions.
Although this illegal activity connected with manufacture and distribution of steroids was well-organized, the law-enforcement could detect it to close the laboratory. The result of the investigation displays that it can be confirmed the following statement: if law enforcement gives chief priority to such operations, positive results can be achieved.