By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – A Toronto doctor was charged by the US Attorney's office in Buffalo Tuesday for his alleged role in a drug smuggling incident at the Peace Bridge.
Dr. Anthony Galea, 51, faces several felony counts, including aiding and abetting smuggling and making a false statement.
His former assistant was arrested at the Peace Bridge last September after several banned substances were found in her car.
Galea is a prominent sports physician who has treated such athletes as Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods. He's charged with providing human growth hormone (HGH) to one ex-NFL player.
The complaint also charges the doctor with introducing the unapproved drug actovegin into interstate commerce.
According to court documents, Galea's clients include at least three current or former National Football League players. One retired player allegedly had two HGH kits delivered to his home, while another received actovegin injections.
"This office, together with our federal law enforcement partners, take seriously our obligation to protect the citizens of the United States from those who seek to engage in unlawful activities within our borders, or those who would cross our borders for the purpose of engaging in crime," US Attorney William Hochul said in a statement. "Today's complaint reveals that those responsible for the flow of illegal drugs into our country can come from all walks of life."
Galea's lawyer was in court and not immediately available to comment.