The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) today acknowledged the decision of the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) to impose a two year sanction on bodybuilder, Mr Storm De Smeth.

Mr De Smeth tested positive to presence of cannabis in an in-competition sample collected by ASADA at the National Natural Physique Titles held in Canberra on 27 October 2007.

He had previously tested positive to the presence of cannabis in a sample collected by ASADA in October 2005 and received a warning and a fine.

“As this is his second offence for the same substance, the penalty of two years is appropriate,” ASADA Chairman, Mr Richard Ings said.

He added that athletes must understand that in addition to being a threat to their health, drugs such as cannabis can remain in the body well after the time that they were used, thereby resulting in a positive test in competition.

“Mr De Smeth’s sanction is a further strong reminder to all athletes of the serious consequences under the World Anti-Doping Code for those caught using illicit drugs in competition,” Mr Ings said.

Mr De Smeth will be ineligible to compete in any sport until midnight 27 October 2009.