A west suburban chiropractor illegally imported anabolic steroids from China, then sold the possibly harmful drugs to patients locally and nationwide, according to federal authorities.
Gregory Zimmerman, 43, was charged with possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance in a criminal complaint filed Feb. 4 and unsealed Tuesday, according to a statement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He surrendered to authorities on Feb. 9 and was released on a $25,000 bond.
Zimmerman illegally imported powdered steroids from China, manufactured them and distributed them to customers, according to a federal criminal complaint.
A confidential informant working with federal authorities received shipments of bulk steroid powder from China on the Zimmerman’s behalf, the complaint alleges. Zimmerman then “converted the powder into injectible liquid steroids or oral capsules” and sold them.
During a search of his home on Jan. 30, Homeland Security Investigations agents found a room that “appeared to be used as a steroid manufacturing laboratory,” the statement alleges.
They also recovered “suspected anabolic steroids in both liquid and powder form, quantities of suspected Human Growth Hormone, quantities of other substances that are being tested, as well as steroid packaging materials,” according to the complaint.
HGH and steroids are used by athletes and body builders for enhancing performance and building muscle mass, but can lead to serious health risks when not properly administered, according to ICE.
