3 Arrested in Steroid Lab Bust in Cleveland County

News9.com

MOORE, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Cleveland County Sheriff's Office shut down a large steroid lab and arrested three people after a two month investigation.

A search warrant was obtained for a home, located at 417 Madison Ct. Inside the home, agents found steroid powder, liquid steroid compounds, unused glass vials, vial sealer, scales, unused pill capsules, pill capsule presses, syringes, drug ledgers, and labeling equipment capable of producing hundreds of vials of steroids.

"There is tremendous black market for steroids within certain bodybuilding circles throughout Oklahoma," said OBN spokesperson Mark Woodward in a press release.

Woodward said Dakota Epperly, 23, Marcus Wade, 26, and Cortny Choate, 20, were arrested Wednesday in connection with the steroids manufacturing and distribution. They were booked into the Cleveland County jail and face charges of Conspiracy to Manufacture CDS Steroids and Possession of CDS Steroids with Intent to Distribute. The penalties carry up to life in prison. Additional charges of violating the Oklahoma Drug Money Laundering/Wire Transmitter Act may also be filed in the case.

During the investigation, Woodward said undercover agents bought steroids from the suspects, as well as some Ecstasy and cocaine.

The steroid powder was being ordered on-line from China. Upon arrival, the suspects would use other components to convert the powder to finished steroids then sell the vials to bodybuilders in the Oklahoma City area and on the west coast.

Woodward said the drugs were manufactured as their own brand of steroids called "Red Line."

According to Woodward, additional arrests are possible as the investigation continues into those purchasing the "Red Line" steroids.