Five arrested on suspicion of manufacturing, distributing steroids converted from powder, By: Greg Welter

6/2/07

Five Chico residents were arrested Friday on suspicion of manufacturing and distributing liquid anabolic steroids.

The Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force was notified May 15 that Department of Homeland Security agents had intercepted a package containing 504 grams of powdered anabolic steroids addressed to Ryan Hansen, at 32 Baltar Loop, No. 1, in Chico.

The package had been sent from China.

BINTF discovered that Hansen lived at the residence with three other men. On Friday BINTF agents, customs enforcement agents and Chico police served a search warrant at the residence.

They found that anabolic steroids in a powder form had been converted into a liquid form at the home. A large quantity of steroids in both forms were confiscated, along with 50 tablets of morphine.

Hansen, 27, was taken into custody, along with Jeffrey Daniel, 25, Dustin Teibel, 27, Obie Robarge, 28, and Megan Lurty, 23. Evidence was found suggesting the liquid steroids were being sold in the Butte County area. Hansen was charged with possession of steroids for sales and possession of a dangerous weapon. His bail was set at $35,000.

Lurty was charged with possession of morphine. Her bail was also set at $35,000.

The remaining three suspects were charged with possession of steroids, but released to appear in court June 15.

Anabolic steroids, developed in the 1930s, have legitimate medical uses, but are used illicitly to enhance physical size and performance, especially by athletes and bodybuilders.

BINTF and other agencies are continuing an investigation into the Chico steroid ring.