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Elite Fitness e-mail lab busted
Just got this emailed from one of my buddies. Don't know how current it is and please forgive me if it is a repost.
Underground Steroid Lab Busted
On Monday, March 7, 2005, the Louisiana State Police West District Narcotics Section, with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Unit, culminated a two year investigation with the arrests of three Terrebonne parish residents. Arrested were: Mr. Eddie Matherne (50 years old from Houma, LA), his son Mr. Todd Matherne (24 years old from Houma, LA), and Ms. Celeste Gauthreaux (24 years old from Bourg, LA). All three were arrested and booked into the Terrebonne Parish Criminal Justice Facility.
On Monday, March 7th, the agents listed above intercepted what they believed to be a package containing precursors to manufacture illegal narcotics destined for the address of Todd Matherne. After obtaining and executing a search warrant on the package, agents obtained search warrants on the addresses of Todd and Eddie Matherne, (two separate apartments in the same complex on Mall Circle in Houma, LA).
When the agents executed the search warrant on the apartment of Mr. Eddie Matherne, they discovered a makeshift laboratory in a room on the second floor complete with an illegal pill press (used in the manufacturing of pills). Numerous precursor chemicals along with completed illegal drugs were located in this room. The suspected narcotics found in this room are believed to be valium, different forms of steroids, Cialis, and some that could not be identified. Agents confiscated the pills, equipment, and all of the precursor chemicals and they are now being processed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab in Baton Rouge, LA for positive identification.
Upon executing the search warrant at the apartment of Mr. Todd Matherne, agents located and seized a large amount of cash, two weapons, and computers. These computers, both laptops and desk top versions will be analyzed for their content. Agents also located a small amount of what they suspect to be methamphetamine in Mr. Todd Matherne's apartment.
Agents believe that Mr. Todd Matherne (the son) would receive the shipments of chemicals used to manufacture the illegal narcotics at his apartment then bring them to his father, Mr. Eddie Matherne. They both live in the same apartment complex (different apartments) on Mall Circle in Houma, LA. Once Mr. Eddie Matherne (the father) received the chemicals, he would then take these chemicals and make them into a pill form, capsule form, or liquid form to be distributed. Agents believe that most of the distribution was being done through the mail. The agents also believe that most of the chemicals used in the manufacturing process were shipped from overseas. Because of their part, both Mr. Eddie and Mr. Todd Matherne were arrested and originally charged with illegal manufacture of narcotics and possession with the intent to distribute illegal narcotics (however, more charges are pending). Ms. Celeste Gauthreaux, who was present in Mr. Todd Matherne's apartment at the time of the search warrant, was also arrested and charged with the same charges. Agents located a small amount of what they suspect to be methamphetamine on her person.
As of this time, agents are still attempting to obtain a valid final count of that was taken as evidence. The official count of all illegal narcotics seized during this search warrant is still on-going. An approximate amount of the illegal narcotics confiscated is listed below:
Pills -
10,180 Winstrol pills - form of steroid
6,440 Anadrol pills - form of steroid
3,500 Cialis pills
Small Bottles -
727 small bottles of various forms of liquid steroid
Capsules
300 Stanozolo capsules - form of steroid
1,500 Nolvadex capsules - form of steroid
800 Anabol capsules - form of steroid
2,400 Clomid capsules - used in conjunction with steroids
600 Dianabol capsules - form of steroid
1,900 Cialis capsules
Unknown Pills
40 - Unmarked bottles
4,300 - Unmarked pills
The above represents the pills, capsules, and liquid form of illegal narcotics in which agents believed were manufactured in the apartment. The numbers below represent the amount of chemicals and precursors confiscated from the apartment in which agents believe was being used to manufacture the illegal narcotics:
11 large bottles or containers of various ingredients
15.16 pounds of an unknown white substance
** Note ** - The suspected valium pills are currently being processed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for verification and an approximate count is not available at this time.
These arrests were the culmination of a two year investigation and would not have been possible without the assistance, support, and dedication of the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office. "This investigation is a perfect example of the cooperation, dedication, and professionalism of the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office," stated Captain David Staton (Commander, Narcotics Section of the Louisiana State Police), "And we want to thank them for all of the assistance and time they provided throughout this investigation." Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Michael A. Holt (Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement) echoed those statements.
"This team effort illustrates the commitment of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to fight criminal activity wherever it occurs," said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Holt, "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of all the agencies involved in this operation, we helped to stop these steroids from being distributed. Our message is clear: We will work together to put a stop to all those who sell illegal substances and threaten the safety of our communities." The manufacturing, distribution, and possession of illegal narcotics will simply not be tolerated. "This investigation further proves that the State Police, as well as any other agency who assists us, will be tireless in our dedication to prevent drugs from ravaging our community," states Captain Val Penouilh (Commander, Louisiana State Police Troop C), "I would like to take this time to thank the Louisiana State Police West District Narcotics Section, the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office for their diligence, professionalism, and patience in the successful culmination of this investigation."
This investigation is dynamic and agents are still following leads. With the assistance of the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office Narcotics Section, more arrests are expected locally, nationally, and internationally. All three of the above are initially being charged with state charges, however, agents are fully expecting to file federal charges once the US Attorney's Office is contacted pending the outcome of the investigation. The Louisiana State Police is dedicated to preventing drugs from damaging our communities. If you have knowledge of illegal narcotics or witness suspicious behavior which leads you to believe that illegal narcotics are involved, you are encouraged to contact the Louisiana State Police Narcotics Section on their tip line. That number is 1-800-535-3344. The call is free and callers do not have to leave their name. By working together as a community, we can make a difference!
Here are some pics of the lab.
