WADA, Interpol team up to combat doping substances trafficking

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Police Organisation (Interpol) have set up a joint project to fight the trafficking of performance-enhancing substances by criminal networks.

Interpol said in a statement issued on Tuesday that the WADA-funded project Energia aims to identify criminal networks.

It said that WADA and Interpol would also uncover links between trafficking and criminal organisations in sport and determine how to conduct law enforcement efforts.

The project is to focus on drugs which are used solely to enhance performance, such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides and the blood booster EPO.

“The Energia project is a key component in the global fight against doping.

“By joining forces, WADA and Interpol are better able to share intelligence on trafficking methods.

“And on those who manufacture and distribute dangerous substances to athletes seeking an edge,’’ it quoted WADA Director-General Olivier Niggli as saying.

Niggli said the project would help “support efforts to cut off the supply of performance enhancing drugs at the source, before they manage to get into the hands of athletes and it will contribute significantly to protecting clean sport.’’