THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal performance-enhancing drugs worth Rs 1.5 lakh were seized from 50 gyms in Kerala. These were found during an inspection conducted by the State Drugs Control Department to detect illegal drugs in gyms and prevent their misuse.

The Drugs Control Department conducted the inspection based on confidential information that illegal supply of performance-enhancing drugs to customers has been happening at gyms since December as part of bodybuilding competitions. Minister Veena George has directed to file a case against these gyms and take strict legal action. Medicines used for various diseases were also found in the gyms.

The officials seized a large stock of medicines from the house of a gym trainer in Thrissur. All the medicines seized contained steroids. Only authorized pharmacies are authorized to sell such medicines, which should be taken only as per the doctor's prescription. The use of these medicines can cause serious health problems. The Drugs Control Department has decided to conduct awareness classes among the youth about the ill effects of such medicines.