Former New Jersey MMA fighter and cop, Ryan Vaccaro, charged with dealing drugs
An Ocean Township, New Jersey police officer was arrested after being found with an illegal performance enhancing drug last year, officials said.
Ryan Vaccaro, also a former professional mixed martial artist in the Garden State, had more than 100 dosage units of Clenbuterol, an animal drug used by bodybuilders, according to a complaint from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
Vacarro was the president of PBA Local 57 and was in possession of the drug between May 1 and May 11, 2018. He was arrested on Feb. 19, 2019. A spokesman with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office could not comment as to why there was such a long delay before the arrest.
The complaint-summons alleges that, Vaccaro, “between May 1-11, 2018 in or about the Township of Ocean, did knowingly possess a prescription legend drugs (Clenbuterol) in the amount of five or more dosage units, where such substance was not lawfully prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, veterinarian, dentist, or other practitioner authorized by law to prescribe medication, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5 (E)(2), a fourth-degree crime.”
The complaint also stated that on those dates in the township, Vaccaro did knowingly possess or have under his control with intent to distribute Clenbuterol, in an amount of 100 or more dosage units.
Celenbuterol is a steroid-like drug that was developed to treat asthma in horses. It is both a decongestant and a bronchodilator.
According to medical professionals, the drug is now controversial because of its use in bodybuilding and weight-loss programs.
Vacarro’s pro MMA career began with Ring of Combat in 2009. He fought for the promotion in 9 of his 10 pro bouts. His final contest was a loss at the hands of current UFC fighter Brian Kelleher.
He joined the police force in 2005 and earns a base salary of $117,000 per year. He has been suspended without pay.
