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Six officers were identified in the ASIRT investigation as having bought and used steroids in violation of the force’s code of conduct, but investigators believed at least 30 officers used steroids.

When ASIRT announced Lewis and French had been arrested and charged, police Chief Rod Knecht said it was an isolated incident, but one that was damaging to the image of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS).

The investigation found no evidence to suggest the steroid trafficking iwas a commercial operation, nor was it “a systemic or pervasive problem” throughout the police force.

The charges, however, prompted EPS to create an internal policy that prohibits officers from using or possessing steroids.

Trial details use of steroids

Rumours had been swirling for some time before Lewis and French came to the attention of investigators that there were EPS members using anabolic steroids.

But it took a tip from a private citizen to get the ASIRT investigation rolling in April 2013.

While there are legitimate medical reasons to use steroids and their possession is not a criminal offence, access to steroids is heavily restricted and regulated. Illegal trafficking of anabolic steroids is a criminal offence.

During the Lewis trial, police officers gave various reasons for using steroids.

Const. Craig Mathewson, who testified he bought two anabolic steroids from Lewis in 2009, said he was recovering from a leg injury and feared he might fail a mandatory fitness test that would have seen him removed from the drug and gang unit. He bought Dianabol and Stanozolol (better known as Winstrol).