Owen Hanson on USC, Sneaking PEDs Across Mexico: I Chased That Rush For The Rest of My Life

Owen Hanson’s life journey took him from the beaches of Southern California to USC’s volleyball courts—and ultimately into the dangerous world of trafficking. Hanson recounts how, after being redshirted as a backup volleyball player at USC, he sought out PEDs in Tijuana, Mexico. Guided by a bodybuilder, he crossed the border carrying steroids hidden in a makeshift “banana” strapped to his body, recalling the intense rush and fear of sneaking illegal substances across customs. This moment marked the start of Hanson’s obsession with that adrenaline high, which later propelled him from doping on campus to becoming a major smuggler and money launderer for a cartel.