AN equine doping investigation that was revealed to be taking place following a raid outside Monasterevin in Co Kildare more than two years ago, has now concluded.
A case file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions following a process that included some collaboration and sharing of intelligence with international agencies, as well as national bodies.
The investigation was carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
It came to light as a result of a statement issued by the department in the wake of the DAFM-led operation that took place at Ballintogher Stud on Tuesday, November 9th, 2021.
The enforcement action by DAFM authorised officers was supported by gardaí from the Kildare-Laois Drug Unit and officers of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Body, Irish racing’s regulatory body responsible for anti-doping and welfare.
Products unlicensed for dispensation to horses in Ireland were seized at the premises, along with a vehicle and other items, including a mobile phone.
An equine therapist from Scotland, John Warwick, confirmed subsequently in an interview with The Irish Field that he was the individual in possession of a number of substances that he was transporting to an equestrian centre in Kuwait.
Warwick admitted that the products were not licensed for use in Ireland and should not have been brought into the country but insisted that there were no doping substances in his possession.
He also denied that the products had been imported from America, declaring that he had transported them in his car from Britain on one of his fortnightly trips to Ireland.
Warwick earned a reputation for carrying out successful treatments on tendon injuries and insists that he has never used any medications in his work, in Ireland or elsewhere.
A statement issued the day after the raid described the operation of searches and seizure of products “as part of an ongoing investigation into equine doping”.
It has now been revealed that the investigation has ended and a file has been sent to the DPP, who will decide if there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings.
“Regarding enforcement actions arising the specific operation highlighted, the Department’s investigation is now concluded and a case file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions,” begins a DAFM statement issued in response to queries about the status of the investigation. “The Department will not be providing any further comment.”
The statement also confirms that intelligence sharing with national and international authorities was an element of the investigation.
“With regard to the query on wider equine doping activities, while the Department, for operational reasons, does not comment on ongoing investigations or provide details of investigating officers, a central function of the Department is to strategically support agencies and other relevant bodies to investigate non-compliances, or incidents across the agri-food industry.
“In this context, the Department works closely with other national agencies/bodies, including An Garda Síochána and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, in the investigation of equine related alleged offences. The Department also engages with other international enforcement authorities, as necessary, in this regard including the sharing/receiving of intelligence.”
Hair and blood samples were taken from racehorses at the yard by IHRB chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping, Lynn Hillyer, before they were allowed leave the scene and all the samples tested negative for prohibited at all times substances.
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