Two Victorians charged with further offences related to alleged importation of illicit performance and image enhancing drugs

Two Victorian residents have been charged with additional offences following an Australian Border Force (ABF) led investigation into the alleged importation of Performance and Image Enhancing Drugs (PIEDs) into Australia.

The charges follow the interception of 400 vials of suspected PIEDs across six consignments arriving in Australia between May and June 2026.

ABF officers executed Customs Act search and seizure warrants at a residential address in Melbourne’s western suburbs on 6 August where a further 44 vials of suspected PIEDs were seized along with mobile phones, laptops and documentation. 

A 47-year-old Victorian man and a 42-year-old Victorian woman were arrested at the scene and were each subsequently charged with six counts of importing Tier 1 Goods (PIEDs), as well as four charges of commit indictable offence whilst on bail. 

The pair appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 6 August and were granted bail to next face court on 26 October.

These charges are the latest in a joint investigation led by the ABF in collaboration with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Victoria Police, dating back to August 2025.

The operation has led to the seizure of a vast quantity of PIEDs, illicit steroids and peptide products with an estimated street value in excess of $2 million.

In March this year the then 46-year-old man and 42-year-old woman were arrested and charged with two counts of importing Tier 1 Goods (PIEDs) and one count of importing Tier 1 Goods (PIEDs) respectively.

A 47-year-old Victorian man was also arrested and charged with two counts of importing Tier 1 Goods (PIEDs).

ABF Commander Graeme Campbell said the investigation demonstrated ABF officers’ determination to continue disrupting attempts to import illicit substances into Australia. 

"PIEDs pose significant risks to the health of individuals, and we know that by preventing these illicit products from hitting the streets, we are protecting the broader community," Commander Campbell said.

"Our officers will continue to use intelligence-led targeting and work closely with partner agencies to identify, intercept and investigate the importation of these substances and ensure those allegedly involved are brought before the courts."

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, said:

"Performance and image enhancing drugs, including illicit steroids and peptide products, can pose serious risks to people's health, particularly when they are manufactured overseas, imported illegally and supplied outside Australia's regulated therapeutic goods framework.

The TGA will continue to work closely with the ABF, law enforcement partners and digital platforms to disrupt the unlawful advertising, importation and supply of these products and help protect the Australian community.

This outcome demonstrates the importance of a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to preventing potentially dangerous goods from reaching consumers."

Anyone with information about suspicious activity which may impact Australia's border security is encouraged to report this to Border Watch online. 

Reports relating to suspected counterfeit therapeutic goods, questionable practices, illegal activity, or advertising that does not meet regulatory requirements, can be made directly to the TGA via the online portal.

By reporting suspicious activities, you help protect Australia's border and the community. 

Media contact – ABF: media@abf.gov.au

Media contact - TGA: news@health.gov.au