A new documentary 'RTÉ Investigates – Steroid Ireland' will air on Wednesday night, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One. The programme is the result of eight months of work examining the illegal trade in these products, which are being used by an increasing number of young people in pursuit of the perfect body image.
Steroids are cheaper and more accessible than ever in this country and a recent survey discovered that one in five young people would consider taking them.
The documentary found steroids being sold for as little as €40 for a six-week course which can result in dramatic physical and psychological consequences including potentially catastrophic side effects.
Steroid Ireland, #RTEInvestigates goes undercover to expose some of those behind the illegal sale and supply of anabolic steroids in Ireland. The programme also talks to users who risk seriously damaging their health in pursuit of the perfect body image.@rteone, Wednesday, 9.35pm pic.twitter.com/NH1WjuIsWE
— RTÉ (@rte) December 10, 2018
Also included in the programme is the case of Dublin-based personal trainer Agris Bremsmits. At the time RTÉ Investigates met him he was working at Fit4less in Finglas which is part of an international gym franchise. Bremsmits was listed as a part-time personal trainer on the company website.
Last year he was convicted on nine counts of selling steroids. That case originated from a complaint by the mother of an 18-year-old youth who had bought steroids from Agris Bremsmits.
A few weeks ago an undercover researcher from RTÉ Investigates booked a training session with Mr. Bremsmits in the Finglas gym. Within 20 minutes of meeting him at the training session, Agris Bremsmits offered to sell the researcher steroids. He provided the researcher with Sustannon, which contains a mixture of different steroids.
In a statement, a spokesman for Fit4less Finglas said: “the company was unaware of Mr. Bremsmits convictions and have launched an investigation into the matter. Illegal substances have no place in our business and we are generally vigilant and careful to research who we employ.”
RTÉ Investigates uncovered a range of online sellers, fitness professionals and seemingly legitimate retail outlets engaged in the illegal sale and supply of steroids.
The documentary is an important look at a rising issue in this country.
