OKC firefighter arrested in steroid sweep

Five people were arrested Thursday, including an Oklahoma City firefighter, on allegations of using, manufacturing and distributing anabolic steroids, authorities said.

Firefighter Sherry Smith, 39, was arrested on one of two warrants issued in Oklahoma City in connection with a two-year investigation into illegal steroid use, said Mark Woodward, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs spokesman. Eight warrants were also issued in Tulsa and two in Wagoner County. Of those 12 warrants, five arrests were made by 9 p.m. Thursday, but the identities of the others arrested were not available, Woodward said.

Those arrested face various complaints, including misdemeanors of using anabolic steroids and felony charges of importation, manufacture and illegal distribution of steroids, he said.

Woodward said the individuals involved all share an interest in competitive bodybuilding, but aren’t linked to a particular gym or organization, and that more warrants and arrests are pending.

“This is far from over, but this is a very significant phase that we wrapped up today,” he said.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Tulsa Police Department were also partners in Thursday’s operation.