TGA flexes its muscle against illegal peptides and steroids
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) with the assistance of the NSW Police has seized more than $120,000 of illicit peptide and anabolic steroid products from 2 residential premises in New South Wales allegedly linked to a social media influencer.
The influencer allegedly imported and relabelled the products before advertising and selling them on various social media platforms and a dedicated website.
The products include retatrutide, CJC-1295 and the Wolverine Stack (combination of BPC-157 and TB-500).
The influencer had been previously warned by the TGA. Search warrants for the 2 properties were executed on 4 August 2026. Cannabis was also allegedly located at one of the properties and seized by NSW Police.
It is unlawful to import, advertise, manufacture and supply unapproved peptide products in Australia.
Many peptide products sold through websites, instant message applications, social media platforms and overseas suppliers are unapproved therapeutic goods and have not been assessed by the TGA for safety, quality or effectiveness. Consumers have no way of knowing what they are buying, consuming or injecting.
Unapproved peptides can cause serious health problems including liver damage, severe allergic reactions, inflammation and other health complications requiring medical attention.
Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, said:
“This operation sends a clear message to people using social media to promote or supply unapproved peptides- selling or supplying online does not place you outside the law.
“Those who unlawfully import, advertise, manufacture or supply these products risk having them seized. They also may receive substantial infringement notices, and face civil or criminal court action. The TGA will use the full range of compliance and enforcement powers available to disrupt unlawful activity and protect Australian consumers.
“If you are using social media to profit from the unlawful supply of unapproved therapeutic goods, you should expect the TGA to take action.”
Influencers, affiliates, online sellers and anyone else promoting unapproved peptide products may be held accountable for unlawful advertising and should ensure they understand their legal obligations.
Consequences for non-compliance may include infringement notices, direction or prevention notices, or civil or criminal penalties. Penalties that can be imposed for breaches of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 include civil penalties of up to $1.82 million per breach for individuals or $18.2 million per breach for corporations, and criminal penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment.
For more information, see the TGA’s warning to unapproved peptide product promoters and suppliers.
If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report it to the TGA at any time.
Contact for members of the media:
- Email: news@health.gov.au
- Phone: 02 6289 7400
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