Extreme Muscle Men: Episode 7 - "French Fries or Bust"

Host: Natalia Melman Petruzella
Release Date: September 9, 2024
Producer: Caroline Thornham

Introduction

In "French Fries or Bust," the seventh episode of BBC's "Extreme Muscle Men" series, host Natalia Melman Petruzella delves deep into the tumultuous world of steroid smuggling in the late 1980s. This episode unravels the intricate web of deceit, danger, and desperation surrounding one of the largest steroid operations in American history.

The Threat Begins

The episode opens with William Dillon, a former bodybuilding figure entwined in a massive steroid smuggling ring, recounting the moment his life took a perilous turn.

[00:54] William Dillon: "He was telling me that basically if I didn't either pay him, that he would get me outside, kill me, put me in the trunk, cut my hands, head, legs off, bury him in different places around the country."

Dillon, also known as Dylan, receives a chilling death threat from Leonard Swerta, an old gym acquaintance turned hitman. This threat not only endangers Dylan but also raises questions about who could have orchestrated such a menacing plot.

[01:19] William Dillon: "The death threats came from three of my original 22 guys. Three of them that were close friends. Close friends."

The Unraveling of the Steroid Ring

Moving back to the spring of 1987, the narrative sets the stage for the federal crackdown on the largest steroid smuggling operation ever uncovered in the United States.

[01:56] Natalia Melman Petruzella: "In the spring of 1987, it's time to face the music. Federal investigators are closing in on the largest steroid smuggling operation in American history."

As federal investigators intensify their surveillance, Dillon realizes the gravity of his situation. Faced with the imminent threat of imprisonment and betrayal from within his ranks, Dylan decides to take drastic measures to protect himself and his crew.

[03:41] William Dillon: "I was concerned. I sent my wife back to Illinois to make sure she was safe. You know, I hired an attorney."

Dylan's decision to cooperate with authorities marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, offering the federal agents a crucial inside perspective.

Confrontation at Junior's Deli

A tense meeting unfolds at Junior's Deli, where Dylan confronts Leonard Swerta. Unbeknownst to Lenny, Dylan is discreetly recording the conversation for the authorities.

[06:10] William Dillon: "The biggest thing right off the bat was they wanted Lenny and they wanted me to meet with Lenny."

During their brash discussion over French fries, Dylan gathers vital information, hoping to use it as leverage against the threats.

[06:41] William Dillon: "He said then I'm gonna go to Illinois and I'm gonna kill your parents and your brothers. You know, and of course I didn't want that, so I'm like doing anything I can to buy time."

The Federal Bust

The culmination of months of investigation leads to a massive government operation against the steroid ring.

[14:07] William Dillon: "Of course they, they wanted David."

On May 21, 1987, authorities make sweeping arrests across multiple states, effectively dismantling what was believed to be 70% of the illegal anabolic steroid market in the country.

[15:08] William Dillon: "Arrests were made from Florida to California today, 34 people in all targeted by customs agents for a black market operation said to account for 70% of the illegal anabolic steroids coming into this country."

This operation is lauded as the largest steroid prosecution ever undertaken, sending shockwaves through the bodybuilding and athletic communities.

Aftermath and Personal Fallout

While Dylan avoids severe punishment through a plea deal, others within the ring face significant consequences.

[22:02] Natalia Melman Petruzella: "In April 1988, according to the LA Times Laboratorios, Milanos was searched and shut down by the Mexican authorities."

Dylan's cooperation leads to probation and fines, but the personal cost is immense. His marriage falters, and he isolates himself from former associates to comply with the authorities' no-contact stipulation.

[23:02] William Dillon: "My wife went back to Illinois. That was crushing. That was crushing."

Conversely, key figures like David Jenkins and Dan Duchene receive harsher penalties, underscoring the varied repercussions within the organization.

Impact on Legislation and Society

The downfall of the steroid ring serves as a catalyst for significant legislative and societal shifts regarding anabolic steroid use.

[24:19] William Dillon: "The co conspirators themselves have indicated that they believed they controlled up to 70% of the illegal black market in steroids. This is a market that has been estimated at over $100 million a year."

Professor Daniel Rosenki highlights how this case transformed the perception of steroids in American society, turning it into a moral and legal battleground.

[24:48] William Dillon: "And it really changed the way legislators thought about this. It changed the discourse about anabolic steroids. It was a smoking gun for legislators."

Senator Joe Biden emerges as a prominent figure advocating for stricter steroid regulations, framing it as a fight for America's moral integrity.

[26:39] Natalia Melman Petruzella: "It's about who we define ourselves to be."

Conclusion

"French Fries or Bust" intricately weaves the personal struggles of individuals like William Dillon with the broader narrative of law enforcement's battle against steroid abuse. The episode underscores the profound impact such operations have on lives, legislation, and societal values, painting a vivid picture of a community grappling with the allure and dangers of pushing human limits through artificial means.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:54] William Dillon: "He was telling me that basically if I didn't either pay him, that he would get me outside, kill me, put me in the trunk, cut my hands, head, legs off, bury him in different places around the country."

• [03:03] William Dillon: "I'm big and I'm strong, but I'm not ruthless. And there was no way I wanted to worry every night about him breaking in my house and killing me."

• [05:11] William Dillon: "They told me point blank that they had been watching, that they really knew who I was and that they didn't think I was a bad guy necessarily, but they knew I was in over my head."

• [17:34] William Dillon: "All these reporters and stuff, and they're trying to get pictures of your face, right? So I'd already decided I'm gonna look down, I'm gonna follow it, go in, it's gonna be on national tv. I don't want my parents to have to deal with that. So I have my head down, walking, and one of the photographers came underneath, literally underneath like this. And my hands are in front. I just took both my hands and I just went like this and lifted him right up off the ground, flat on the concrete. So of course that's what was all over the news for me. My parents found out by watching me be arrested and knock a guy down."

• [25:18] William Dillon: "How did they judge it? How could they possibly judge it? So much is coming in from Europe, so much is coming in from Canada. I mean, how would they know? It's just writing stuff to make it sound good for the public. That's why they wanted it to be so dirty. They wanted it to be such a nasty, dirty business because that sells more on the news. Now 70% of all the steroids in the United States are gone because San Diego busted these terrible people. You know, that's what they want."

Credits

• Producer: Caroline Thornham
• Assistant Producer: Mohamed Ahmed
• Editor: Kathryn Godfrey
• Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Kempson
• Original Music: Silverhawk AKA Cyril Poirier
• Production Manager: Cherie Houston
• Commissioning Editor: Dan Clark
• Executive Producer for Novel: Max O'Brien
• Host and Executive Producer: Natalia Melman Petruzella
• Produced by: Novel for BBC Radio 4

"French Fries or Bust" offers a gripping exploration of the lengths individuals will go to protect their interests and the devastating consequences that ensue. Through meticulous storytelling and firsthand accounts, the episode paints a comprehensive picture of a clandestine world teetering on the brink of collapse.