A Canada Border Services Agency investigation into anabolic steroid distribution has resulted in the conviction of a Winnipeg man. Pavel Louda pleaded guilty to smuggling anabolic steroids in violation of Canada’s Customs Act. Canadian Customs had seized approximately 198 packages of steroids destined for Louda over a five year period prior to his 2009 arrest.
The Canada Border Services Agency started its two-year investigation of Louda in 2007. They traced his registration of post office boxes under fake names in Winnipeg and Montreal. These included private mail box rentals at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Winnipeg. Surveillance monitored Louda picking up and dropping off packages on a regular basis as well as delivering packages of steroids to people in various parking lots.
Investigators also traced the wire transfers of approximately $189,000 in cash to recipients in the Czech Republic and various other European locations.
The CBSA investigation culminated with the arrest of Louda in July 2009. Investigators found additional evidence of Louda’s participation in mail-order steroid distribution at his home when they discover “tally sheets” detailing sales of steroids to individual customers.
Crown prosecutor Raegan Rankin has asked Judge Careena Roller to sentence Louda to three years in prison. Iain MacNair, the defense attorney for Louda, has requested a nine to fifteen month conditional sentence for his client.
However, Judge Roller did not seem inclined to grant a conditional sentence. She noted that the conviction was the second steroid-related offense for Louda. He had attempted to import $12,000 worth of steroids in his personal custody while returning on a flight from the Czech Republic in 2002. Louda even applied for a pardon for his 2002 conviction in the midst of running an illegal steroid mail-order business in 2009.
“I have huge concerns about reoffending,” said Judge Roller.
Source:
Turner, J. (May 6, 2012). Steroid smuggler facing three years. Retrieved from http://www.winnipegsun.com/2012/05/06/steroid-smuggler-to-serve-three-years
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