In November 2022 the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on behalf of World Athletics has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Argentinian Athlete José Sanches after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Cocaine.
After notification, the Athlete admitted the violation, waived his right for a hearing, accepted a provisional suspension and the sanction proposed by the AIU. He signed and submitted the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violation and Acceptance of Consequences Form.
The Athlete explained with evidence that in September 2022 he had chewed coca leaves because of his mountain sickness. He also had used coca tea to treat an upset stomach caused by altitude sickness.
In view of the evidence the AIU accepts that the violation was not intentional and the result of the Athlete's use of coca leaves and coca tea out-of-competition and unrelated to sport perfomance.
Therefore the AIU decides on 17 February 2023 to impose a 3 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting, on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. on 18 November 2022.
