A 61-year-old doctor from Adelaide, Bill Tolis, has appeared in court facing charges related to the importation of performance and image-enhancing drugs, including steroids and peptides. Authorities allege these substances were intended for supply through a general practitioner clinic in Adelaide's western suburbs.
Tolis was arrested in November following raids conducted by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at a medical clinic in Woodville and his private residence. He faces charges under the Customs Act for importing 'tier 1 goods'.
The ABF investigation initiated in October after air cargo officers intercepted three international consignments addressed to the Woodville clinic, allegedly containing vials of steroids. Subsequent intelligence checks identified an additional 11 parcels sent to the same recipient and address.
In November, ABF and SA Police executed search warrants. At the medical clinic, they allegedly seized 242 vials of liquid steroids, $21,000 in cash, multiple electronic devices, and packaging materials. An additional 107 vials of peptides and steroids were reportedly found at Tolis's home.
Tolis is a banned medical practitioner. In 2022, the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal found him guilty of professional misconduct, leading to the cancellation of his medical practitioner's registration. The tribunal also prohibited him from applying for re-registration for seven years and banned him from providing any health services, including naturopathy. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) recently expressed concerns that Tolis might have continued to provide health services despite his ban.
During a brief hearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court, Tolis denied importing steroids, indicating he would provide further details later. He described his role at the medical clinic as being in "management" and disputed claims by authorities that he might pose a risk to clients. The matter has been adjourned until April, and Tolis remains on bail, required to report to Port Adelaide police station weekly.
Peptides are increasingly used for anti-aging and other purposes, being legal in Australia only with a doctor's prescription. Steroids are regulated in Australia due to potential serious health risks.