50 Cent named in steroid trafficking probe

50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean have all been named in an investigation into illegal steroid trafficking.

Though none of the artists are involved in the criminal probe, they have all allegedly been supplied with performance enhancing drugs in an attempt to stay young looking.

An Albany-based investigation claims Florida doctor Gary Bandwein allegedly shipped steroids and human growth hormone (HGH) to Long Island chiropractor Michael Diamond. Who would then allegedly supply the drugs to the stars. Diamond is an instructor of anti-ageing and longevity medicine at New York gym Clay.

It is claimed more and more hip-hop and R'n'B stars are turning to the "the unproven anti-ageing effects of steroids".

Dr. Thomas Barnes, a Newport Beach cosmetic surgeon with more than 10 years of experience, said: "With men, particularly, they start literally wasting away and ageing.

"The thought is that HGH specifically brings levels of testosterone back up.

Benefits can include thickening of the hair and skin and a lustre again in the eyes and basically helping the body look more vigorous."

John Battaglia, an image consultant who has worked with Justin Timberlake and Usher, said: "The music business is a young person's business, so there's certainly a premium on appearing young or appearing younger.

"So certainly people really can do a lot of different things - sometimes going to very extreme measures in their appearance - to be able to give a youthful image."