
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, February 22, 1991                   TAG: 9102220346
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

IN SPORTS - ETC.

The government served up a reminder that tough new rules take effect next week to stem the growing abuse of anabolic steroids by athletes, body builders and teens trying to improve their appearance.

Robert C. Bonner, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration said abuse of anabolic steroids once was "a dirty little secret" that got little attention.

But he added: "The secret's out now and we now have some laws to do something about it. This activity will now be treated as a serious federal crime."

Bonner noted that under a law that takes effect Wednesday, anabolic steroids will be classified as a controlled substance subject to closer regulation. Illegal manufacture, distribution, importation and possession of the drugs will carry tougher penalties.

Under the new law, the maximum penalty for trafficking and illegal dispensing of anabolic steroids will be five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

by CNB