07-05-2025
Indian national found with prohibited substance during doping raid in Kenya
An Indian national has been booked in Iten, a high-altitude town in Kenya known as the 'Home of Champions', for possessing prohibited performance-enhancing substances, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) said in a statement.
The person is being investigated for doping practices and also for links to performance-enhancing drug distribution networks.
Among the prohibited substances recovered during a raid on May 5 were human growth hormones (HGH), meldonium, mannitol and also intravenous (IV) paraphernalia, including IV bags, syringes, and needles, both used and unused, according to the statement issued by ADAK's chief executive officer Peninah Wahome. A report was booked at the Iten Police Station and investigations are ongoing to establish the 'full scope of the activities, including potential networks and clients, the ADAK said.
Distance athletes from around the world train at Iten, located at 2,400 metres above sea level. Saint Patrick's High School, which has produced star runners over three decades, including former 800 metres Olympic Champion David Rudisha, is also located in Iten.
'Iten town is recognized by athletes worldwide as a training hub for elite long-distance runners. The town hosts athletes from various countries. ADAK therefore is greatly concerned with the presence and circulation of prohibited substances within the town. Prohibited substances are not only illegal in sports but also a danger to athletes' health,' the ADAK said.
The raid was conducted by the ADAK along with sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and followed actionable intelligence indicating possible involvement in activities related to the distribution and use of the prohibited performance-enhancing substances.
'The raid which was carried out at the suspects' premises, led to the discovery and seizure of a range of prohibited substances banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code,' the ADAK statement said.
Kenya is one of seven countries listed under Category A by World Athletics, indicating countries with the highest doping risk. Other countries in this category include Belarus, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Bahrain, Morocco, and Nigeria.
