It is illegal to possess, use, manufacture, supply, import or trade steroids without a prescription or licence. Penalties range from a $2,000 fine and/or a two-year prison term to a $100,000 fine and/or imprisonment for 25 years. Any person convicted of a drug offence will receive a criminal record and this can lead to difficulties in getting a job, health insurance, credit or visas for overseas travel.
Frequent testing of athletes both in and out of competition increases the chance of athletes getting caught and being banned from competition, sometimes for life.