The U.S. Department of Justice says officers have arrested 22 people in Austin, Round Rock and Leander in a suspected steroid distribution ring. Investigators say the ring leaders are 54-year old Timothy Bruner of Leander and 23-year-old Ryan Rowland of Round Rock. Those two and four others face federal charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The DOJ says since January 2014, the suspects conspired to distribute more than 1,000 dosage units of steroids in tablet form (Anavar and Winstrol) and over 200 10cc vials of steroids in liquid form (Testosterone, Deca Durabolin and Trenbolone). They face 20 years in prison if convicted. The other 16 face state charges.
All of the steroids that were distributed are used to help enhance muscle growth, said Greg Thrash, the resident agent in charge of the Austin Drug Enforcement Agency office in Austin. “The steroid culture is extremely pervasive in Austin,” he said. Sales of illegal steroids for bodybuilding are also a problem in many other parts of the country, he said