Concern as doping racketeers shift business to private residences

ADAK Director-Standard and Compliance Ms. Peninah Wahome, addresses Journalists on the sidelines of the Kenya Enhanced Anti-Doping Project Joint Working Groups Retreat in Naivasha on May 16, 2024. [Photo, Standard]

Authorities have expressed concern over the change of tack by suspected doping racketeers in Kenya.

The suspects are believed to have resorted to dispensing performance-enhancing drugs in private residences.

In recent years, the fight against doping was characterised by major crackdowns on unscrupulous pharmaceutical outlets and clinics across the main athletics training bases, but a new tactic by suspected doping agents to escape dragnets is raising eyebrows.

On Monday, May 5, an assortment of drugs allegedly containing banned performance-enhancing drugs was discovered in a house rented by an Indian national in Iten.

According to sources, the rented house attracted attention after several athletes flocked there.

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) investigators, alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and regular police officers, were informed, and they staged a raid following tips by a section of concerned athletes.

Investigators and ADAK said the suspect was helping them with information on his clients and violations of anti-doping laws.

Upon searching the premises, ADAK reported, human growth hormones (HGH), meldonium, and mannitol substances were discovered and seized.

Meldonium is a fatty acid oxidation inhibitor, and it is now principally used for heart conditions, while mannitol is a sugar alcohol used to test for asthma, to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure, and to measure glomerular filtration rate, among other uses.

But the drugs that fall under prohibited substances fall under substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

ADAK said it was concerned with the distribution of the banned substances in a manner that targeted the athletics fraternity.

"Iten town is recognised by athletes worldwide as a training hub for elite long-distance runners. The town hosts athletes from various countries. ADAK is therefore greatly concerned with the presence and circulation of prohibited substances within the town. Prohibited substances are not only illegal in sports but also a danger to athletes' lives," ADAK acting CEO Peninah Wahome said.

The ADAK CEO claimed that intravenous paraphernalia, including syringes, in the rented houses pointed to doping activities.

"Investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the activities, including potential networks, clients, and any violations of Kenya Anti-Doping Law and International Anti-Doping policies, rules and regulations," she added.

An athlete who blew the whistle asked authorities to ensure foreigners who visit the tiny town that includes several world and Olympic medallists to stay in hotels to avert misuse of private residences to administer performance-enhancing drugs to unsuspecting sportsmen and women.

"We are urging authorities to bar foreigners who are visiting the town for short periods of time from renting houses to weed out visitors who are here to conduct questionable activities," he said.

Mid last month, a pharmacist who was wanted by authorities after a warrant of arrest against him was issued by Iten Magistrates Court for administering banned substances to unsuspecting active athletes was nabbed operating another chemist in Eldoret.