Two steroid suspects prescribed trial

Chmura, of Waterford, Mich., has pleaded not guilty to one felony and one misdemeanor drug charge. He was returning home after teaching English in Asia and was nabbed with steroid pills and cash during a customs search. Airport police reported finding 43 pills of Alprazolam, 175 pills of Oxandrolone and $7,000 in cash.

Oxandrolone is an anabolic steroid used to prevent wasting in AIDS patients and children with growth disorders. Athletes adopt its use to enhance strength and performance. Alprazolam is typically known by its brand name, Xanax, and is used to combat anxiety.

A month before, Singh was allegedly found with 40 containers of anabolic steroids in his luggage on Valentine's Day as he returned from a visit to India. Singh, an Indian national who resides in Petaluma, had been in India competing in a wrestling tournament.

The pills and liquid ampoules included mesterolone and testosterone. Mesterolone is typically used for reducing levels of estrogen in the body or reducing the effects of estrogen such as bloating. Also known by the name Proviron, it is a derivative of testosterone and is also used when the levels of testosterone in the body are below normal. The hormone is listed among prohibited supplements by many international athletic associations.

Chmura remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail. If ultimately convicted, he faces up to four years in prison.

Singh is in custody in lieu of $1 million bail.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.