Canadian doctor who treats Pro-athletes under investigation

A Canadian doctor who has treated golfer Tiger Woods and many other pro athletes is under a joint U.S.-Canadian investigation for possibly providing performance-enhancing drugs.



A U.S. official familiar with the investigation said Canadian authorities were investigating Dr Anthony Galea, who was arrested on October 15 in Toronto, and the FBI was brought into the case.



The official says the investigation was being conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.



The official was not authorized to discuss the case and therefore spoke on condition of anonymity.



Galea\'s lawyer denied any wrongdoing at a news conference in Toronto yesterday.



Attorney Brian H. Greenspan said he expects Galea will face three charges in Canadian court on Friday. However, he said he was unaware of the FBI\'s involvement.



Greenspan says the investigation began when the Doctor\'s assistant, who often drove around Galea, was stopped at the Canada-U.S. border. Human growth hormone and Actovegin, a drug extracted from calf\'s blood, were found in Galea\'s bag in the car.



Using, selling or importing Actovegin is illegal in the United States.



Greenspan confirmed Galea has used human growth hormone himself, and prescribed it to non-athlete patients over the age of 40 to improve their quality of life. However, he said the doctor has never given it to athletes.