TGA Seizes $120K of Peptides in NSW Search Warrants

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said on 17 August it had seized more than $120,000 of illicit peptide and anabolic steroid products from two residential premises in New South Wales allegedly linked to a social media influencer. Search warrants for the two properties were executed on 4 August 2026 with the assistance of NSW Police. Cannabis was also allegedly located at one of the properties and seized by NSW Police.

The Alleged Operation

The seized products include retatrutide, CJC-1295 and a combination of BPC-157 and TB-500 sometimes called the "Wolverine Stack". The TGA says the influencer allegedly imported and relabelled the products before advertising and selling them on social media platforms and a dedicated website, and that the individual had previously been warned by the regulator.

The Regulatory Position

Retatrutide remains an investigational peptide with no regulatory approval in Australia. The TGA states that it is unlawful to import, advertise, manufacture or supply unapproved peptide products in Australia, and says many peptides sold online are unapproved therapeutic goods that have not been assessed for quality, safety or efficacy.

Professor Anthony Lawler, head of the TGA, said in the release that the operation "sends a clear message to people using social media to promote or supply unapproved peptides" and that participating in the trade online "does not place you outside the law". The TGA says influencers, affiliates, online sellers and anyone else promoting unapproved peptide products may be held accountable for unlawful advertising. Consequences cited in the release include infringement notices, direction or prevention notices, civil penalties and criminal penalties of up to seven years imprisonment.

Melanotan II: A Second Action

On the same day the TGA issued a safety alert on products labelled "Pure Tans Triple Strength 30 MG" nasal spray. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Melanotan II, a peptide that is prescription-only in Australia and not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Testing of five 20 ml bottles found the estimated amount of Melanotan II per bottle ranged between 22 mg and 54 mg, a wider range than consumers would expect from identical labels.

The alert also reports that the TGA issued 27 infringement notices totalling $101,412 to an individual for the alleged unlawful supply of Melanotan II products to Australian consumers. The TGA states the notices were paid in May 2026.

What to Watch Next

The seizure is the latest step in an enforcement thread that became public in late July, when the TGA placed "unapproved peptide product promoters and suppliers on notice" ahead of a compliance priority covering unapproved peptide products that began in June. For researchers and legitimate suppliers, the actions show a regulator actively pursuing enforcement at the online seller level, not only at importers or manufacturers. Further enforcement activity is likely to follow as investigations continue.

For educational purposes only. This content is informational and reflects publicly reported research developments. It is not medical advice and makes no therapeutic claims. Products referenced are for research use only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical question.