Police and administrative focus on doping and the use of anabolic steroids continues to grow in Spain. In 2024, 3,728 anti-doping controls were conducted and the number of sports monitored was expanded. Additionally, out-of-competition controls have increased, a key mechanism for detecting the actual use of substances.
Similar to drug trafficking, the crime of doping is part of offenses against public health, where the protected legal interest is collective health. However, in the case of doping, criminal intervention focuses on the protection of athletes and on sports integrity, not on the illicit trade of narcotics.
In parallel, the National Police and Customs Surveillance conduct periodic operations against the supply of anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs, with seizures and arrests at various points throughout the country. To understand the scope, in Operation Viribus (coordinated by Europol) 3.8 million doping substances and counterfeit medications were seized in 33 countries; Spain participated in the operation.
What is the crime of doping and supply of anabolic steroids and where is it regulated?
What is the criminal procedure for selling anabolic steroids like?
The criminal procedure for supply of anabolic steroids or doping follows a scheme very similar to drug trafficking offenses: it usually begins with a police operation or a complaint, in which substances, products, devices or documentation linked to the case are seized
Once the police report is completed, arrest will proceed and the suspect will be questioned for a crime of doping and sale of anabolic steroids. During the investigation phase, messages, shipments, payments, supply routines and health effects will be examined.
In turn, the judge may impose precautionary measures such as activity prohibitions, pretrial detention and asset forfeiture.
Once the investigation phase is completed, the Public Prosecutor will formulate charges and finally the trial will be held.
What to do if you have been reported for doping or supply of anabolic steroids?
Being investigated for a doping offense or for selling anabolic steroids can have very serious consequences, both personal and professional.
Therefore, it is essential to act quickly and with specialized legal counsel from the first moment.
- Do not testify without an attorney. Every word counts and can influence the entire procedure.
- Gather medical reports and documentation. They can demonstrate that there was a therapeutic purpose or that consumption did not pose a health risk.
- Keep all containers and purchase records. They are key to establishing the traceability of the substances.
- Request an independent expert opinion. A medical or pharmacological report can dismantle the prosecution’s case.
- Avoid talking to witnesses or co-defendants. Any contact can be procedurally misinterpreted.
How a lawyer specialized in doping offenses can help you
In this type of procedure, the defense must focus on technical and expert details: composition of substances, actual doses, purpose of supply, existence of medical supervision or therapeutic authorization.
A criminal defense attorney expert in offenses against public health can:
- Challenge the existence of concrete danger to health, which is the core of the criminal offense.
- Provide medical and pharmacological expert reports that establish
Do you need a criminal defense attorney in Madrid?
Abogado penalista en Madrid (Graduado en Derecho y ADE con Máster de Acceso a la Abogacía), experto en procedimientos complejos y técnicos en Derecho Penal. Cuenta con títulos como el Curso de DerechoPenal Avanzado impartido por magistrados del Tribunal Supremo en el Iltre. Colegio de Abogacía de Madrid.