Albury man had 'very small' quantities of illegal drugs in office at gym

Ashley Lachlan Morosin had the illegal drugs in the office of World Gym on Young Street when police arrived with a search warrant.

Defence lawyer Mark Cronin said the quantities involved were "very small".

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Morosin admitted to police that he owned the drugs.

On Monday, Mr Cronin entered pleas of guilty on behalf of Morosin to four charges of possessing a prohibited drug.

The latest COVID-19 court restrictions issued by the NSW chief magistrate meant Morosin did not have to appear.

Mr Cronin said the steroids involved were linked to Morosin's bodybuilding pursuits.

"He was taking steroids because he was preparing for a national competition."

Mr Cronin said it was not that steroids were in anyway condoned by the event's organisers; rather, competitors were not tested.

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Prosecutor Sergeant Andrew Pike said the 29-year-old might have to prepare differently next time.

"I think his alternative option is to work harder on the weights," he said.

The court was told police went to the gym on January 15 and carried out their search in Morosin's presence.

They seized "a number of items" from the office.

These included a zip-lock bag containing clear capsules of oxandrolene, a single capsule of oxandrolone, liquid in a vial determined to be testosterone, 40 clear capsules containing methyldrostanolone and four tablets of methyldrostanolone.

"Nothing was located to suggest the accused was supplying the prohibited drug," police said.

"The accused was accessing the prohibited drug by ordering them online from locations outside Australia."

Magistrate Miranda Moody said it was significant that Morosin had no criminal history and was extremely remorseful, though she questioned the nature of the competition he was working towards.

"It seems rather strange in the circumstances."

Ms Moody placed Morosin on a 12-month conditional release order, without conviction.

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