Exclusive: A civilian was caught selling steroids to SEAL trainees—and authorities let him go

Previously unreported records show an outside supplier was involved in two SEAL steroid scandals

SEAL candidates in BUD/S training in 2018 (Photo credit: U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Abe McNatt)

Steroids were a growing problem at Naval Special Warfare Command in 2018 when Navy investigators got a tip about a civilian supplier.

A few years earlier, the command in Coronado, California, had been rocked by the discovery that five SEAL candidates were using testosterone and human growth hormones. Commanders took the rare step of holding an open administrative hearing, known as a Captain’s Mast, to punish the trainees and send a strong message about using performance-enhancing drugs in the formidable SEAL selection program that three out of four people don’t complete.

Now, thanks to an informant’s tip, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service had a lead on a suspect selling steroids to Navy personnel. NCIS agents planned joint undercover operations with Coronado police to target the civilian dealer. But in the end, they let him go.

Previously undisclosed investigativ…