Spanish police arrest 6 athletes accused of doping
Madrid, June 21 (IANS) Six athletes have been arrested in Spain on suspicion of doping, Spanish police said on Thursday.
Among those arrested was Ethiopian runner Gizaw Bekele, who won the recent Madrid half-marathon race, police sources told EFE.
"Six athletes arrested in anti-doping operation. Growth hormones, insulin, testosterone and transfusion materials have been seized," Spain's National Police said on its site.
The others arrested were athletics coach Rachid Najid and his wife Malika Asahssah, who was already sanctioned for four years for doping, Said Aitadi, Fatima Ayachi and Abebe Mulugeta, according to police.
The organization accused of practicing doping has been shut down, Chief Commissioner Pilar Alvarez confirmed at a press conference.
--IANS
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