Criminal probe into Powell, Simpson dropped in Italy
UDINE, Italy (AP) — A criminal doping investigation into Jamaican sprinters Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson plus their trainer has reportedly been dropped in Italy.
The ANSA news agency says a preliminary trial judge made the decision Wednesday at the request of prosecutors in Udine.
Powell, Simpson and Canadian trainer Christopher Xuereb were placed under criminal investigation two years ago. Police confiscated drugs in a hotel raid where the trio was training in the northeastern town of Lignano Sabbiadoro in July, 2013.
Udine police chief Antonio Pisapia told The Associated Press that the only questionable substance found in the drugs was the stimulant oxilofrine, which is banned only during competition.
The sprinters tested positive for oxilofrine at the Jamaican championships in 2013 and served brief bans.
Calls to the Udine prosecutor’s office went unanswered.
