Extreme Podcast Summary: Muscle Men: 6. One Last Hit

Release Date: September 2, 2024
Host: Natalia Melman Petruzella
Producer: Caroline Thornham

Introduction: The Rise and Fall of a Steroid Empire

In the gripping sixth episode of Muscle Men, titled "One Last Hit," host Natalia Melman Petruzella delves deep into the clandestine world of steroid distribution in the mid-1980s. This episode chronicles the meteoric rise and catastrophic downfall of William Dillon, also known as Dylan, a key figure in a sprawling steroid ring that ultimately drew the full force of federal law enforcement.

William Dillon’s Journey: From Fitness Entrepreneur to Drug Dealer

William Dillon's Initial Decision to Exit:

The episode opens with William Dillon reflecting on a pivotal moment in his life:

[00:05] William Dillon: "After the raid they did on us, that's when I got out."

Following a violent raid by federal agents that left his Los Angeles home in disarray, Dillon realizes the necessity of a drastic change to avoid imprisonment and protect his family's reputation.

[00:22] William Dillon: "I didn't want to go to jail. I didn't want to embarrass my parents. I decided, I'm out. I took my money, I had bought into the Gold's Gym in San Diego and I just decided, I'm going to go there, I'll run the gym and I'll start over, right?"

In August 1986, Dillon and his wife, Cecilie, relocate to San Diego, attempting to leave their illicit past behind by investing in a Gold's Gym franchise.

The Return to the Underworld: Temptation of "One Last Hit"

Resurgence of the Steroid Business:

Despite his efforts to break free, Dillon's former associates are not ready to let him go. The call from David Jenkins, the head of their Mexican steroid suppliers, reignites Dillon's involvement:

[01:12] William Dillon: "He goes, they need you, man. They need you. They can't find anybody that can move any volume."

With the steroid ring struggling due to diminished sales and the absence of Dillon's sales acumen, his return becomes imminent. The allure of a significant commission is hard to resist:

[03:11] William Dillon: "How do you say no to 80, 90, $100,000 just for doing almost nothing? You don't."

Operational Dynamics: Structure and Ethics Within the Ring

Organized Operations and Moral Boundaries:

Under Dillon’s leadership as the sales representative for United Pharmaceuticals, the steroid ring operates with newfound professionalism. Dillon emphasizes ethical sales practices, especially concerning underage buyers:

[08:12] William Dillon: "I went, how old is this guy? And he goes, oh, he's gonna be 17, he's 16. I went, you frickin sold steroids to a kid."

Dillon attempts to instill a moral code among distributors, aiming to mitigate the inherent risks of steroid distribution. He focuses on controlling distribution to prevent overuse and protect young users:

[09:08] Natalia Melman Petruzella: "Dylan tells me he trained the guys who bought from him not to sell to underage kids or to sell too many doses to one person without them taking a break between their steroid cycles."

Despite these intentions, maintaining strict ethical standards proves challenging, especially as internal conflicts arise.

Internal Struggles: The Breakdown of Trust

Conflict with Jim Insco and Leonard Suerta:

The fabric of the steroid ring begins to unravel when Jim Insco, a trusted associate, faces a failed transaction. Insco’s attempt to secure payment from a Phoenix customer leads to violence orchestrated by Leonard Suerta, the enforcer known for keeping order within the ring:

[12:18] William Dillon: "He was Italian. He was short. I can't say we were friends, but I mean, he respected me and I respected him."

Leonard Suerta’s brutal handling of the Phoenix incident serves as a wake-up call for Dillon, highlighting the volatile nature of their operations:

[12:56] William Dillon: "I needed to get out because it was past time. I had already realized that there was nothing good for me that was ever going to happen."

Federal Crackdown: Escalating Pressure from Authorities

Formation of the National Steroid Task Force:

Unbeknownst to Dillon, the federal authorities, led by Philip Halperin, are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the steroid ring. The discovery of counterfeit steroid labels during a previous raid connects Dillon directly to more serious charges:

[14:14] William Dillon: "The one thing I never thought about was the counterfeiting charge. I don't know what I was thinking."

These counterfeit labels, along with connections to Dan Duchene’s businesses, provide substantial evidence for the Task Force to build a case against Dillon.

Surveillance and Wiretapping:

Despite Dillon’s attempts to cover his tracks, including moving operations to reduce visibility, the Task Force secures a warrant to monitor his phone calls:

[16:38] William Dillon: "I wanted out. They didn't want me out. You don't want to lose your best salesman. Businesses go under for less than that."

However, Dillon remains elusive, planning his exit strategy even as the authorities close in.

The Final Deal: A Sting Operation Unfolds

Collaboration with Larry Pacifico:

As Dillon prepares for a massive $500,000 steroid transaction, he unknowingly interacts with Larry Pacifico, a legendary powerlifter and covert collaborator with the Task Force:

[17:48] William Dillon: "Larry Pacifico. He was a powerlifting God."

Pacifico, possessing significant influence in the bodybuilding community, becomes the linchpin in the undercover operation orchestrated by Dennis Deegan, a pivotal FDA investigator.

Undercover Agent John Bosley:

Dillon meets John Bosley, an undercover customs agent posing as a bodyguard, during the setup of the final deal:

[21:37] William Dillon: "You know, he wasn't that big, but."

Bosley’s unassuming appearance allows him to gain Dillon’s trust, leading to the exchange of counterfeit steroids for the substantial cash Dillon expects.

The Takedown:

The operation culminates at the Dana Inn in San Diego, where the exchange takes place. However, federal agents anticipate the deal and intercept the cash transmission:

[22:40] William Dillon: "Everything was set. It was done."

As Dillon retreats to Santa Barbara, the sting operation successfully apprehends Bosley and Manson, leading to the collapse of the steroid ring.

Aftermath: Betrayals and Consequences

Ring Members Turn on Dillon:

In the wake of the arrest, mistrust festers within the ring. Distributors accuse Dillon of betrayal, fearing he orchestrated the downfall:

[26:39] William Dillon: "They're paying me this much money, 75,000 or something, right?"

[26:43] Natalia Melman Petruzella: "To kill you."

Leonard Suerta orders the hit on Dillon, believing him to be the architect behind the failed deal and subsequent arrests, sealing Dillon’s fate.

Reflections: Morality and the Human Cost

Dillon’s Regret and Ethical Dilemmas:

Throughout the episode, Dillon grapples with the ethical implications of his actions. While striving to implement moral boundaries within the steroid ring, the inherent illegality and dangers of the business lead to tragic outcomes:

[09:53] William Dillon: "I'm not trying to make it sound holier than thou, I'm just saying that it was a touchy of enough subject that would affect people's lives beyond just the cycle that they took."

His attempts to control and minimize harm are overshadowed by the ring’s internal conflicts and the relentless pursuit by federal authorities.

Conclusion: The High Cost of the Impossible

"One Last Hit" serves as a poignant exploration of ambition, ethical compromise, and the destructive pursuit of success within the shadowy underworld of steroid distribution. Dillon’s story is a testament to the perilous balance between personal gain and moral responsibility, ultimately questioning whether the relentless chase for power and profit is worth the irreversible costs.

Notable Quotes:

• William Dillon on Exiting the Ring:
  "I didn't want to go to jail. I didn't want to embarrass my parents. I decided, I'm out."
  [00:22]

• Dillon on Ethical Sales Practices:
  "How do you say no to 80, 90, $100,000 just for doing almost nothing? You don't."
  [03:11]

• Reflection on Liability:
  "You frickin sold steroids to a kid. Do you realize what that does to him? It shuts off their long bones from growing more."
  [08:17]

• Dillon’s Realization of Betrayal:
  "They're paying me this much money, 75,000 or something, right?"
  [26:39]

Production Credits:

• Producer: Caroline Thornham
• Assistant Producer: Mohamed Ahmed
• Editor: Kathryn Godfrey
• Sound Design & Mix: Daniel Kempson
• Original Music: Silverhawk AKA Cyril Poirier
• Production Manager: Cherie Houston
• Commissioning Editor: Dan Clark
• Executive Producer: Max O'Brien

Host Commentary:

Natalia Melman Petruzella masterfully navigates the complex narrative, intertwining personal anecdotes with broader implications of steroid use and distribution. The episode not only recounts Dillon’s downfall but also casts a critical eye on the culture surrounding bodybuilding and the lengths individuals will go to achieve perceived perfection.

Looking Ahead:

One Last Hit sets the stage for subsequent episodes, promising to further unravel the intricate web of muscle men, their motivations, and the systemic issues within the sports and fitness industries.

Tune In:

For those intrigued by true stories of ambition, ethical quandaries, and the dark side of the pursuit of physical perfection, Muscle Men: One Last Hit is a compelling listen on BBC Radio 4’s Extreme series.