Charges against doctor unrelated to Tiger: lawyer

The lawyer for a doctor who has treated Tiger Woods says the superstar golfer is in no way linked to the charges that Dr. Anthony Galea faces.

Galea, 51, is facing four charges related to the unapproved drug known as Actovegin.

Lawyer Brian Greenspan says those charges aren't related to Woods.

"Any suggestion of any linkage to Tiger Woods is non-existent," Greenspan said outside the court.

'Our position is there was nothing unlawful about Dr. Galea's use of that substance in Canada and therefore these charges are without merit.' —Brian Greenspan, lawyer

"I'm saying categorically it does not relate to anything that's alleged before this court."

Greenspan says Actovegin is used worldwide and it's his position that there was nothing unlawful about Galea's use of the substance.

"Our position is there was nothing unlawful about Dr. Galea's use of that substance in Canada and therefore these charges are without merit."

Greenspan has confirmed that Galea had treated Woods.

Galea is charged with selling an unapproved drug under the Food and Drugs Act, conspiracy to import an unapproved drug and conspiracy to export a drug under the Criminal Code, and smuggling goods into Canada under the Customs Act.

The RCMP allege it was Galea's "intent to treat some of his patients outside Canada with Actovegin."

Actovegin, which contains calf blood, has stirred up controversy over its efficacy and legality.

It has been used in Germany and Italy. It's not on the list of banned substances for the World Anti-Doping Agency, unless it's used by intravenous infusion, and some sports experts who work with athletes even question its performance enhancing benefits, saying it's more used to speed recovery from injuries.

Drug not prohibited in Ontario: doctors college

A police spokesman has said Health Canada informed officers that the form of the drug allegedly administered and sold to patients in Canada and exported to the U.S. is illegal in Canada.

But in Ontario, where Galea practises, the College of Physicians and Surgeons recommends doctors avoid prescribing drugs not approved for use in Canada, but add it's not prohibited.

The charges against Galea come after the RCMP raided his Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness Centre on Oct. 15 in Toronto.

Under the Customs Act, Galea could face a maximum of five years in prison.

Greenspan has said the investigation began when the doctor's assistant, who often drove Galea around, was stopped at the Canada-U.S. border.

Galea's assistant has been charged in the U.S. for having human growth hormone and another drug while crossing the border in September.