Profile of Anabolic Steroids Seized by the Federal Police in the Tri-Border Region: Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina

The use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) has been increasing worldwide. These substances are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, popularly known for their anabolic and androgenic effects. They are primarily used by individuals engaging in physical activities who seek aesthetic enhancement and muscle mass gain. However, due to the prohibition of AAS for aesthetic purposes, the clandestine market has become an alternative for such consumers, even though it is well recognized that these products are largely noncompliant and pose serious health risks. In this study, a method was validated using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the simultaneous quantification of various esters of testosterone, drostanolone, boldenone, nandrolone, and trenbolone. The samples of anabolic steroids seized by the Federal Police of Foz do Iguaçu (Paraná, Brazil) in the tri-border region (Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina) between the periods of 2019 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025 were analyzed. The results revealed that 100% of the samples showed some form of irregularity in composition, substance concentration, or labeling. The majority of the samples, 42 (68.85%), originated from Paraguay, highlighting that the border region between Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) is a major gateway for the entry of irregular pharmaceutical products into Brazil. The study underscores the weakness of sanitary control over these substances and reinforces the risks associated with the acquisition and use of illicit anabolic steroids.