DEA probes Phoenix cops’ steroid use

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating at least 12 Phoenix police officers for use of anabolic steroids, according to a department official.

The officers are suspected of using steroids being illegally dispensed by physicians in the Valley, Phoenix police Cmdr. Chris Crockett said Saturday.

He said the probe also has turned up names of officers from other police departments in the Valley. He did not know which ones.

The use of the steroids, a controlled substance, for nonlegitimate medical reasons is both a violation of Phoenix Police Department policy and the law.

None of the 12 officers had been charged and all were still on duty, Crockett said.

Nationwide, doctors have been prosecuted for handing out prescriptions for steroids to people who have no legitimate medical need, but simply want to build muscle mass.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon said Saturday he knew about the steroid investigation but said he did not know details.

“I’ve been briefed on this by (police) management, and the department is conducting its own investigation,” Gordon said. “I’m confident we’ll take appropriate action.”