Police officer imported EPO

Police Inspector Brendon Keenan has been thrown out of athletics for four years, after importing a banned performance-enhancing drug but his job on the force is safe.

A distance runner, Rotorua police area prevention manager Keenan, 44, ran for New Zealand in the 24-hour World Championships in 2012 and is a past winner of the Around the Mountain race in Taranaki. He admitted importing erythropoietin (EPO), which can be used to increase red blood cell production.

Produced synthetically for medicinal purposes, EPO is prohibited under the sports antidoping rules, both in and out of competition. After an investigation by Medsafe and Drug Free Sport New Zealand, Keenan was suspended by the Sports Tribunal for ‘‘possession and attempted use of erythropoietin (EPO)’’. His ban – imposed on May 24 – was backdated to September 2017.

Keenan would not lose his job, Police told Stuff.

‘‘Inspector Brendon Keenan self-reported the Drug Free Sport New Zealand breach to his manager immediately and we have been supporting him,’’ police said in a statement. ‘‘The ruling of the tribunal does not impact on Inspector Keenan’s role with New Zealand Police.’’

Medsafe investigated Keenan’s online purchase of EPO after a parcel from a website trading as DRS Labs was intercepted by NZ Customs in September. After Medsafe referred its investigation to Drug Free Sport, Keenan admitted importing the banned substance. He told the Sports Tribunal he purchased EPO to address a medical condition and provided his medical history to back that argument.

A message on Keenan’s phone said he ‘‘could not be reached at this time’’.