A man and woman who allegedly pretended to be doctors have been charged with trafficking steroids in Melbourne’s bayside.
In a statement, Victoria Police said an investigation into the alleged deception began last month, after police received reports claiming the pair was purporting to be medical practitioners in the Brighton East area.
It’s alleged the pair had charged more than $20,000 for their services since the start of the year for a series of botched treatments.
“The alleged treatments include administering injections to a man with a long-term illness that were believed to assist with the illness,” Victoria Police said.
“However, other treatments allegedly contained common ingredients such as vitamins and protein powder.”
Members of the Caulfield Divisional Response Unit executed search warrants at a unit on Carr Street, Brighton East, and an apartment on Caulfield Boulevard, Caulfield North, on Friday.
Detectives uncovered a stash of cocaine and significant quantities of prescription medication in several drawers, including testosterone, synthetic anabolic steroids, pain killers and human growth hormones
A 32-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man both from Brighton East were arrested at the unit and charged with two counts of trafficking steroids, and possessing cocaine, a drug of dependence (prescription medication), and a Schedule 4 poison, as well as common law assault and obtain property by deception. They were granted bail to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on 19 October.
Police say further charges are expected to be laid by the national medical practitioner regulator in relation to purporting to be a registered medical practitioner and administering a drug of dependence without authority.
Anyone with information about the incidents or who may not yet have spoken to police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Reports can be made anonymously.
