Supamas, together with CIB police, held a press conference announcing the results of an operation by the Consumer Protection Police and FDA, who raided a luxury downtown condominium to dismantle an illegal steroid factory. They seized assets valued at over 50 million baht and revealed the factory supplied steroids wholesale to bodybuilders both domestically and abroad, vowing to eradicate this silent health threat.
At 11:30 a.m. on 30 June 2026, at the press room on the 2nd floor of the Central Investigation Bureau headquarters, Ms. Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office; Mr. Patthana Phonphat, Minister of Public Health; Mr. Narin Kalyanamitr, advisor to the Minister of Public Health; along with Pol. Lt. Gen. Krisada Kanchanalongkorn, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police; Pol. Maj. Gen. Sarut Kwangsopa, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau; Pol. Maj. Gen. Khongkrit Lertsitthikul, Commander of the Consumer Protection Police Division; Pol. Col. Weerapong Klaidthong, Superintendent of Division 4, Consumer Protection Police; and other officials jointly announced the results of a crackdown on a network illegally producing and distributing unregistered anabolic steroids. They seized injectable and oral steroids, machinery, production equipment, raw materials, and packaging valued at over 50 million baht.
Pol. Col. Weerapong explained that the case originated from the Consumer Protection Police Division 4 receiving coordination from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate and identify the main perpetrators after detecting the spread of anabolic steroids. These synthetic substances mimic male hormones and are misused by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts to rapidly build muscle, ignoring health risks to the hormonal system, liver, kidneys, and heart. Such misuse can cause hepatitis, acute kidney failure, high blood pressure, enlarged heart muscle, and sudden heart failure leading to death.
Investigations revealed that the network operated a clandestine production and packaging site in a luxury condominium in the Pattanakarn area, Suan Luang subdistrict, Suan Luang district, Bangkok. Authorities obtained a search warrant from the Phra Khanong Criminal Court to raid two locations, arresting Mr. Anuwat (surname withheld), 39 years old. They confiscated finished anabolic steroid products, both injectable and oral, from 41 brands including ANADROL, ANAVAR, ARIMIDEX, BOLDENONE, CLENBUTEROL, DIANABOL, and DECA, totaling over 8,690 bottles. They also seized 14 brands of oral anti-estrogen and steroid tablets totaling over 77,700 tablets, plus approximately 155,000 tablets in blister packs, alongside chemicals, raw materials, machinery, and packaging materials. The total value of seized goods exceeded 50 million baht.
Initially, the suspect was charged with "producing modern medicine without authorization" and "producing and selling unregistered drugs." He was handed over to investigators for prosecution while authorities continue to trace the financial backers and accomplices involved.
Further investigation found that the suspect sourced raw materials, ingredients, and packaging from multiple suppliers to clandestinely manufacture, package, and label finished products without FDA approval. The production processes lacked standards and proper hygiene. The products were sold to bodybuilders and the fitness community domestically and internationally for about three years. The network had previously been prosecuted for similar offenses but resumed illegal activities aiming for profit without regard for consumer safety.
Ms. Supamas stated that the problem of substandard health products and medicines, especially muscle-enhancing anabolic steroids, is a silent threat the government takes seriously. Athletes, bodybuilders, and the general public seeking muscle growth or better physiques may fall victim to misleading advertising unaware these products are illegally produced in unauthorized locations.
The Minister added that unauthorized production exposes consumers to contaminated substances, poor-quality ingredients, incorrect formulations, or insufficient active pharmaceutical ingredients, resulting in long-term health impacts. She affirmed that under the Prime Minister's directive, agencies collaborate closely, leading to this operation, underscoring the government's commitment to combat illegal health products and protect consumers.
Mr. Patthana said the Ministry of Public Health prioritizes protecting public health because substandard health products, especially counterfeit drugs, not only violate laws but also threaten lives and undermine trust in the country's health product regulatory system.
Under the MOPH PLUS policy, the Ministry of Public Health has integrated cooperation among the FDA, Royal Thai Police, and related agencies in investigation, data sharing, and law enforcement against illegal manufacturers, importers, and sellers of illicit products. This operation successfully disrupted a major illegal anabolic steroid production network, seizing over 50 million baht worth of goods before distribution to consumers. He urged the public not to use drugs without medical indication and to verify products through the “Mor Prom” app or FDA channels before purchasing.
Pharmacist Suphattra Boonserm, Secretary-General of the FDA, stated that inspections revealed all seized drugs were produced in unauthorized facilities without registered drug formulas and failed to meet standards. Especially injectable steroids were not sterilized, risking bloodstream infections and death. Using steroids without medical supervision harms hormone systems, liver, kidneys, heart, and poses infertility risks.
The FDA Secretary-General concluded that the FDA will continue joint crackdowns with all agencies. She warned the public to verify health products before purchase via the FDA website, Line @FDAThai, or the “Mor Prom” application. Anyone with information can report to the FDA hotline at 1556.