Sylvester Stallone Charged with Importing Human Growth Hormone

Sylvester Stallone is being charged with bringing an illegal muscle-building hormone which is banned in Australia.

The 60 year old star of Rocky and Rambo faces stiff fines after trying to take vials of a human growth hormone know as Jintropin into Australia, which restricts this product.

The Associated Press reports that Stallone and his entourage were detained and searched at Sydney's airport on February 16^th. All of their bags were searched and items were confiscated.

Stallone and his entourage were kept for hours at Sydney airport as he arrived for a promotional visit of his movie premier, Rocky Balboa.

While at the premier of Rocky Balboa on February 17^th Stallone claimed the airport incident was a "misunderstanding".

Stallone's hotel room was searched three days later by police and more items were confiscated. This is further evidence that Stallone withheld required information when entering Sydney airport. The police continued with a raid of Stallone's limousine and private jet.

There was a hearing on Tuesday in Sydney, which Stallone did not attend. Prosecutors charged that Stallone marked "no" on a customs card when asked about bringing prohibited items into Australia. X-rays taken of Stallone's baggage identified 48 vials of the human growth hormone Jintropin.

Jintropin can only be imported with a special permit from the government. The maximum penalty for bringing it into the country is $86,000 and five years in prison. The local court reportedly can only impose a $17,000 fine. Stallone is very unlikely to face the maximum penalty.

The case resumes in court on April 24^th. Stallone's lawyers will be asked to enter a plea on his behalf.

Sylvester Stallone (born July 6, 1946) is an Academy Award-nominated American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. He's mostly successful from a number of action films, mainly the Rocky and Rambo series. He is often referred to by his nickname, "Sly"

Sylvester Stallone did not become world renown until his starring role in the movie hit Rocky (1976). The film won the award for best picture. "Rocky" cost about $1.1 million to make but grossed about $225 million world wide.

Stallone's next major franchise hit was Rambo (1982). This series made him one of the most popular action heroes of the decade.

The 1990's brought a whole slew of hits for Stallone. Most notable were Cliffhanger which grossed over $255 million, Demolition Man which grossed over $158 million, The Specialist and Judge Dredd.

Sources:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20014833,00.

html; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvester_Stallone"