A Metropolitan Police officer has been arrested in south Wales over the illegal supply of steroids.

The 26-year-old constable was one of five people taken into custody after raids in Swansea early on Monday.

The arrests followed an investigation by anti-corruption officers into a network supplying hundreds of people.

The officer was held on suspicion of supplying controlled class C drugs. Steroids are legally available within the UK only from a pharmacist.

The raids were carried out by members of Scotland Yard's directorate of professional standards with officers from South Wales Police's anti-corruption team.

Officers raided five properties including homes, commercial addresses and a shop.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Officers are expected to meet the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

"The Met is determined that those who fail to meet these standards will be dealt with swiftly and robustly."

Officers were investigating the supply of anabolic steroids in pill and injectible forms to bodybuilders and weight trainers.

Steroids are a controlled drug, and can be obtained legally in the UK only from a pharmacist after receiving a doctor's prescription, or by importing them solely for personal use.

Possessing steroids with intent to supply is a crime carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in jail.

THE BBC