Three charged with smuggling steroids

Three Metro Vancouver residents have been charged with smuggling steroids and fentanyl after a Canada Border Services Agency investigation.

The CBSA said Matthew Allan Anderson, Kailea Elizabeth Ridsdale and Brian David John McEathron were part of an anabolic steroid smuggling and distribution ring.

CBSA officers seized about 1,800 capsules — including 321 fentanyl pills — and over 33 kilograms of raw powder, 22 litres of liquid containing steroids and other import-controlled substances were seized in the investigation.

All three have been charged with smuggling and possession of unlawfully imported goods, as well as possession for the purpose of trafficking.

McEathron, a Mission resident, was also charged with possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

McEathron and Anderson, of Maple Ridge, are facing charges for the unsafe storage of firearms.

Anderson has a minor criminal record, with convictions dating back more than a decade for driving without a licence, resisting a peace officer and providing false information. Neither McEathron or Ridsdale have previous convictions in B.C., according to the provincial court database.

CBSA regional director Roslyn MacVicar praised the work of her investigators.

The CBSA probe began in March 2014 after border services officers noted multiple shipments containing anabolic steroids and other import-controlled substances at the CBSA Vancouver International Mail Centre and Vancouver International Airport.

Search warrants were executed on Nov, 25, 2015. Charges were sworn against the trio on Nov. 18, 2016. They made their first appearance in Vancouver Provincial Court on Dec. 20 and have been released on bail.

They will be back in court on Jan. 20.