JPSO uncovers $1M steroid lab inside Metairie home

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Jefferson Parish authorities say they uncovered a large-scale drug manufacturing operation inside a Metairie home, seizing what the sheriff estimates is more than $1 million worth of steroids and other drugs.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto said deputies received information Monday about a suspected drug operation at a home in the 3900 block of Tolmas Drive. Investigators obtained a search warrant and arrested 41-year-old Anthony Caruso.

Inside the home, investigators found what Lopinto described as a sophisticated laboratory primarily being used to manufacture anabolic steroids. Deputies also seized other substances, including what appeared to be GLP-1 drugs and other prescription and controlled substances.

Authorities said many of the seized substances will have to be tested before investigators can determine exactly what they contain. Lopinto estimated the drugs displayed Wednesday were worth more than $1 million.

Lopinto said investigators believe Caruso was taking powdered substances, mixing them with chemicals, packaging them into vials and selling them. He warned that customers buying drugs from unregulated sources have no way of knowing what they are putting into their bodies.

“It may be packaged and look like a GLP-1, but it may not be that on the inside,” Lopinto said.

Deputies also recovered several firearms from the home, including 3D-printed guns and a 3D-printed silencer. Lopinto said Caruso is a convicted felon with a history of drug-related offenses, and investigators expect additional charges related to the weapons. Federal agencies could also become involved.

Lopinto called it the largest steroid-related drug operation he has encountered during his career.

“I can't think of anything in my career that's — especially on the steroid level,” Lopinto said. “From a steroid perspective, this is certainly the biggest I've seen.”

Investigators believe the operation was too large to have served only local customers. Lopinto said authorities are now working to determine how far the distribution network extended.

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