An Indian national has been arrested in Elgeyo Marakwet County on suspicion of distributing performance-enhancing drugs to athletes.
In a statement, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) revealed a raid was carried out on March 5 with the aid of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) following a tip-off about the Indian national's activities.
According to ADAK, the raid was conducted on the suspect's residence, which is located in Iten, the famous high-altitude training town known for producing some of Kenya's best athletes.
Several items were discovered following the raid, including substances like growth hormone (HGH), meldonium, and mannitol – all of which are prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Growth hormone is particularly common in a lot of sporting disciplines since it directly influences performance by facilitating the growth of bones and muscle. In the case of marathoners, it can also help with their height, which would give them an unfair advantage over 'natural' athletes.
A further probe raised more suspicion on potential doping practices, as intravenous paraphernalia, including IV bags, syringes, and needles, was also found at the scene.
"The report was booked at Iten Police Station. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the activities, including potential networks, clients, and any violations of the Kenya Anti-Doping Law and International Anti-Doping policies, rules and regulations," ADAK revealed in their statement on Tuesday.
The body further noted that the operation was timely, especially since Iten was a renowned training hub for elite long-distance runners, including those from abroad.
If found guilty, the Indian national could face serious repercussions, including official charges and potential deportation sinceunder the Anti-Doping act of 2016 and the Pharmacy and Poisons Act, it is a criminal offense to supply or posess banned performance-enhancing drugs.
Notably, the arrest came just hours after the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) dealt Kenya a blow after banning yet another promising athlete, Brian Kipsang.
According to the AIU, Kipang was sanctioned following positive tests for Triamcinolone acetonide – a medication that is used to reduce inflammation, itching, and allergic reactions in the body.
Because this was Kipsang's first violation of World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations, the anti-doping body imposed a two-year ban. The length of the ban could be longer if he is found to have deliberately taken the prohibited substances.
