Music On Steroids

An Albany, N.Y., steroids investigation has unearthed some recognizable names in entertainment among tens of thousands of alleged users: 50 Cent, Timbaland, Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige.

None of the musical artists, nor the rest of the thousands of alleged users who may have used or received prescribed shipments of steroids and injectable human growth hormone, is being targeted for prosecution, the Albany Times-Union said. Law enforcement officials are targeting anti-aging clinics, doctors and pharmacists who prescribed the drugs.

At press time, at least one – Blige – had already denied through her publicist ever taking any illegal performance-enhancing steroids or any anti-aging steroids.

According to records reviewed by the Times-Union, the musicians received prescriptions allegedly signed by Dr. Gary Brandwein. The South Florida osteopath has pleaded not guilty in Albany to a felony indictment charging him with various drug-related crimes, the paper said.

Medical experts are reportedly warning that steroids and human growth hormones are being shipped illegally under the unproven pretense that they enhance looks, slow aging and aid healing.