The passage of a new anti-doping law will criminalize the manufacture, importation, exportation, storage and distribution of anabolic steroids in the Czech Republic. Offenders who violate the anti-doping laws face one to three years imprisonment. The actual consumption of anabolic steroids will not become illegal, but the possession of steroids for non-medical use could lead to criminal investigation.

The purchase of anabolic steroids have long required a medical prescription within the Czech Republic. However, prior to the current steroid legislation, Czech drug laws did not regulate the import, export or distribution in the Czech Republic. These loopholes permitted an underground steroid marketplace worth hundreds of millions of Czech crowns to thrive virtually unimpeded. Czech Customs could only intervene and seize anabolic steroids imported from other countries if the sender failed to declare the merchandise as “anabolic steroids.” As a result Czech bodybuilders and athletes could previously import and use steroids without any legal consequences.

Czech Police are preparing to crack down hard on steroid use as soon as the legislation criminalizing the non-medical use of steroids takes effect (”Docs, coaches will face up to 3 years for doping,” October 30).

“A special department aimed solely at fighting the trading and abuse of these substances will be created within the [Czech Police's] National Anti-Drug Centre,” said Jiří Komorous, head of the narcotics team. He added that producers and dealers from abroad are aware of the loopholes in the Czech laws and use the Czech Republic as a trading hub.

“We are also planning swoops at fitness centres where steroids are being sold to the end consumers,” said Jaroslav Nekola, head of the Czech Anti-Doping Committee, a body coordinating the efforts.

Eastern Europe has been known for its lax laws on anabolic steroids. But signs point to further internationalization of U.S. steroid law abroad.