Abstract
This chapter explores the illicit production and supply of performance and image enhancing drug (PIED) markets in Belgium and the Netherlands. In recent years, the widespread availability of drugs with the potential to enhance image and performance, such as muscle drugs, tanning products and weight-loss drugs, has generated a new and growing group of users. Aside from the potential health risks, a major concern is that the majority of PIEDs are not legally obtained through a physician, by means of a prescription, but instead are illegally purchased on the black market. Importantly, sport officials and state authorities suggest that economically motivated individuals and dangerous groups are driving the illicit market for PIEDs; and ‘mafia-type’ organized crime specifically is considered to be the main culprit. Despite these concerns, little empirical research exists on the production and supply of PIEDs. However, understanding illicit drug markets is important for policy decisions as it may assist in designing and evaluating law enforcement efforts, prevention, harm reduction initiatives and other measures. This chapter provides a historical account of the development of PIED markets in Belgium and the Netherlands. In addition, the general characteristics of PIED dealers, such as their legal professions and gender, will be discussed in more detail. This will be followed with an examination of the methods and motives of PIED dealers, using bodybuilding as a case study. In the final section, the link between the illicit PIED market, organized crime, and professional sport is critically explored. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the overall findings.
Published Version
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