“Sly” Stallone charged, fined for importing banned hormones
The famous Hollywood star, Sylvester Stallone, has been charged with illegal importing of a Human Growth Hormone into Australia. The hormone, Jintropin, has been banned in Australia.
The 60-year-old actor was in Australia on a promotional tour for his latest film, “Rocky Balboa.” “Sly” Stallone was detained at the Sydney Airport along with his complete entourage, on February 16. After a through search of his bags, his hotel room was also searched three days later. Items were confiscated in both instances.
The star faced charges of importing a banned substance in a Sydney court and was represented by lawyers on Tuesday, March 13. According to Pravda, it had been stated in a customs document submitted to the court, that Stallone had not been validly prescribed the goods by a medical practitioner for any medical condition suffered.
Stallone was exempted from attending Tuesday’s hearing. He was allowed to leave Australia in February itself. A government permit is needed to import the hormone.
Prosecution documents submitted to the court indicate that Stallone had marked “No” on a customs declaration card, which specifically asked whether any restricted goods, "such as medicines, steroids, firearms, weapons, or any kind of illicit drugs", were being brought into Australia. The x-ray screening of his bags, as well amongst is group, indicated otherwise.
The “Rocky” star was carrying 48 vials of the hormone. While local courts can only charge a fine of $17,000(USD), the maximum penalty for importing illegal substances into the country includes a fine of $86,000(USD) and prison for five years. Stallone faces a fine of $22,000(Australian dollars, equivalent to $17,000, USD). He does not face any jail time.
The hormone Jintropin, manufactured by a Chinese firm-Genescience Pharmaceuticals, is a performance-enhancing drug. Jintropin is consumed to reduce aging, increase muscle growth, and facilitate weight loss. Other advertised effects include enhanced sexual activity, increased energy, and regeneration of organs that shrink with age.
According to Dr. Peter Larkin, a sports physician in Melbourne & former chairperson of National Drug in Sport Committee, human growth hormones are used by athletes to build muscle definition, as it makes the body look lean.
According to Professor Robert Baxter, Director of Kolling Institute of Medical Research at the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, states that excessive usage of the drug over the age of 60 increases the risk of diabetes and causes a condition called Acromegaly. This condition causes the knuckles, jaw, and feet to enlarge themselves.
At the Sydney premier of his movie on February 17, Stallone called the incident a “minor misunderstanding. “ They were just doing their jobs. I just didn't understand some of the rules here,” said Stallone.
The case has been adjourned until April 24 by Magistrate David Heilern in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court. Stallone’s lawyers will be excused from attending court, if his lawyer-Robert Todd makes an appearance. His lawyers will submit a plea on his behalf.
Screenwriter, director, producer and actor Sylvester Stallone was born on July 6, 1946 in New York City, New York. He is often known by his nickname "Sly". He penned down many famous screenplays and is notably known for his greatest success in action movies namely Rocky and Rambo. Rocky (1976) was awarded with Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Film Editing, Best Director, Best Actor (Stallone) and Best Original Screenplay (Stallone).
He got married thrice to different beauties Sasha Czack , Brigitte Nielsen and Jennifer Flavin (1997–present) and has fathered five children, two sons and three daughters.
He was romantically involved with models Susan Anton, Angie Everhart, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Janice Dickinson.
