Customs and Border Protection Media Release

INTERNATIONAL TENNIS PLAYER FINED FOR IMPORTING HUMAN GROWTH HORMONES - 26 March 2010

A 24-year-old male professional tennis player from the United States was found guilty yesterday of importing human growth hormones (HGH) into Australia.

Mr. Wayne Odesnik pleaded guilty to the charge and was fined $8000 and ordered to pay $1142.80 in costs.

Mr Odesnik came to Australia on 2 January 2010 to compete in the Brisbane International Tennis Competition and the Australian Open Tennis Championship.

Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 8 vials, each containing 6 mg of HGH in Mr Odesnik’s baggage.

Customs and Border Protection Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Border Enforcement, Marion Grant, said the Government is committed to deterring the use of
banned drugs in sport.

“This prosecution is exactly the type of situation the 1999 amendments to the Customs Act were designed to target and gives effect to the Tough on Drugs in Sport
strategy.

“The outcome of this case is an important deterrent for other elite athletes who are considering similar activities,” Ms Grant said.

Amendments to the Customs Act in 1999 extended the list of substances subject to import control. The importation of restricted substances is prohibited unless the user has a genuine medical need and can provide evidence from a medical practitioner.

Media enquiries: Customs and Border Protection Media (02) 6275 6793