Canadian authorities seized patient names and files from the Toronto office of a high-profile sports doctor suspected of distributing human growth hormone before arresting him on drug and smuggling charges, according to a court filing.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigators also listed "NFL file folder," "CFL file folder," a single ampoule of the human growth hormone Nutropin, and dozens of vials of pharmaceuticals marked with Russian and German characters among items taken from Dr. Anthony Galea's Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness Center during an Oct. 15 search.
The lengthy list filed in Provincial Court in Toronto is part of the Canadian case against Galea, a healing specialist sought out by the biggest names in sports until being accused on both sides of the border of dealing in unapproved drugs.
He denies any wrongdoing.
The list of items seized identifies no patients, but it specifies that 42 patient medical files were taken, along with a list of patient names, "professional players journal," "black daytimer with football dates," bank statements, computer equipment and a folder of checks made out to Galea.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined comment.
"This is an ongoing federal investigation and we will cooperate fully, but we defer any comment at this time to the federal authorities," Aiello said.
Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss admitted last month to being treated by Galea in the past, but he denied using HGH. The NFL doesn't test for HGH but still could suspend Moss if it finds other proof that he used the substance.
The document obtained by The Associated Press on Tuesday, first reported by ESPN.com, also lists 15 ampoules and one nearly empty bottle marked Actovegin, a derivative of calf's blood used to heal injuries. It is not approved for use in the United States.
Canadian authorities in October charged Galea, the former team doctor of the Canadian Football League's Toronto Argonauts, with selling Actovegin, conspiracy to import an unapproved drug, conspiracy to export a drug and smuggling. A May 18 U.S. criminal complaint charged him with conspiracy, smuggling, distributing human growth hormone and introducing an unapproved drug into interstate commerce.
Galea's Toronto attorney, Brian Greenspan, was in court and not immediately available for comment Tuesday. His Buffalo attorney, Mark Mahoney, didn't return a telephone message.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
