An Indian national was detained in Elgeyo Marakwet County on accusations of supplying performance-enhancing substances to athletes.In a statement, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) stated that a raid was conducted on March 5 with the assistance of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in response to a tip-off regarding the Indian national’s activities.
According to ADAK, the raid took place at the suspect’s home in Iten, a well-known high-altitude training location that has produced some of Kenya’s top athletes.Several goods were recovered following the raid, including growth hormone (HGH), meldonium, and mannitol, all of which are prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.Growth hormone is especially prevalent in many sports since it has a direct impact on performance by promoting bone and muscle growth.
Marathon runners may also benefit from increased height, giving them an unfair advantage over ‘natural’ athletes.A further investigation generated additional concerns about potential doping practices, as intravenous paraphernalia such as IV bags, syringes, and needles were discovered at the scene.
“The report was booked at Iten Police Station. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the activities, including potential networks, clients, and any violations of the Kenya Anti-Doping Law and International Anti-Doping policies, rules and regulations,” ADAK revealed in their statement on Tuesday.
“Anti-narcotics detectives drawn from DCI headquarters have arrested Malik Aman, an Indian national at Iten and recovered assorted pharmaceutical products from his house.The team of hawkshaws who have had the foreign national under their radar raided his house pursuant to a search warrant granted by an Iten court where they thereafter iventorized and carted away the exhibits.The suspect, who had been placed in custody, was released on cash bail, to allow for thorough forensic examination of the said drugs at the government chemist.Meanwhile, the war on sale, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs and any other banned substances continues.” DCI report read.
The body also remarked that the operation was timely, especially given that Iten was a well-known training ground for elite long-distance runners, including those from other countries. If convicted, the Indian national might face harsh consequences, including official charges and even deportation under the Anti-Doping Act of 2016 and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act.
The Act makes it a criminal violation to supply or possess banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The arrest occurred just hours after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) struck Kenya a blow by banning yet another potential athlete, Brian Kipsang. According to the AIU, Kipang was sanctioned after testing positive for Triamcinolone Acetonide, a medicine used to treat inflammation, irritation, and allergic responses in the body.
Because this was Kipsang’s first infraction of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, the organization imposed a two-year penalty.If he is proven to have taken the forbidden substances on purpose, his ban may be extended.
