Three Philly cops busted in ‘roid ring raid

The US Attorney’s Office is charging a Philadelphia Police detective, two officers, and a dozen others, with conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids.

An indictment unsealed today alleges the detective received steroids from foreign suppliers and then sold them to his co-conspirators–who distributed the drugs to their own customers.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said he’s dedicated to getting rid of bad cops.

“I’m 100 percent committed to rooting them out of our Department and if that means that we have to go through  embarrassment–and we do have a couple other cases that I’m aware of that will have me back before this bank of microphones again, but we’re not going to stop,” said Ramsey.  “Because just because you don’t do anything and it doesn’t become public, doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”

Ramsey said there is a growing problem in law enforcement with the use of anabolic steroids.  He said he’s trying to educate members of the force about the dangers of using the drugs.

“The DEA recently produced a DVD about this particular issue,” he said.  “We show it at roll call.  It’s just a reminder and a warning for anyone who chooses to use steroids while they’re working out – thinking they’re going to get a little stronger or whatever, it’s illegal and it’s harmful to the body.”

Ramsey called it a dark day for the department, but said he will not tolerate bad cops. 

The indictment alleged the Philadelphia Police detective operated an anabolic steroid and human growth hormone distribution organization in Philadelphia and throughout the country.  Officials say he acquired the steroids from foreign suppliers–and then sold them to his co-conspirators, who distributed the drugs to their own customers.  The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.