The New Zealand Sports Drug Agency (NZSD) and the New Zealand Federation of Bodybuilders (NZFBB) have reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Respondent after his sample tested positive for the party drug Benzylpiperazine (BZP). BZP is not specifically named as a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Code 2005 Prohibited List. It is, however, a stimulant and is a prohibited substance because it is a substance “with a similar chemical structure or similar biological effect(s)” to others named in S6 of the Prohibited List (stimulants).
The Respondent had not taken the drug for performance enhancing purposes and had actually entered the competition so he would obtain a clear drug free test. However, the Tribunal determined he had been careless in taking a prohibited substance and that there was significant fault in this case.
The Sports Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand decides to impose a 2 year period of ineligibility on the Respondent starting on 16 July 2005. In addition Respondent’s awards, placements and records won at het competition are disqualified.
