Missoula man accused of coordinating steroid ring

January 19, 2007

MISSOULA - A Missoula man has been charged with running a steroid smuggling ring.

Jimmy R. Jones, 59, was arrested Sunday after police allegedly found pills, white powder, syringes, glassware, vials and packing material at his home. He has been released on bond pending further court appearances.

Police in Marshfield, Wis., traced the drugs to a Missoula post office box after arresting a 20-year-old Marshfield man who sold steroids to an undercover officer. Their six-month investigation turned up nearly $140,000 worth of anabolic steroids.

All the steroids seized are considered controlled substances that can be obtained only by prescription. Court documents allege that Jones received shipments of anabolic steroid powder from China, then mixed the drugs at his home and shipped the orders to drug dealers across the United States.

Narcotics officers uncovered steroid orders in Jones' e-mail containing shipping and payment instructions, court documents said.

The investigation is ongoing, and at least one other person may still be charged, authorities said.

The investigation is being conducted by the Missoula Police Department, the Missoula County Sheriff's Department and the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, all members of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force.