SAN FRANCISCO, California — Victor Conte, the controversial mastermind behind one of the most notorious performance-enhancing­ drug operations in sports history, has died at 75.

His company, SNAC System, confirmed his death Monday in an Instagram post and described him as an “anti-doping advocate.”

“We are Heartbroken by the Passing of our Fearless Leader, SNAC STRONG Mastermind | SNAC CEO | Anti-Doping Advocate | Creator of ZMA® | Former Tower of Power and Herbie Hancock Bassist, Victor Conte," the Instagram post said.

“We will Honor his Wishes. SNAC and his Legacy will Carry Forward, Strong and Forever.”

Conte gained fame and infamy as the founder of the Bay Area Laboratory Co‑Operative (BALCO), which distributed designer steroids such as “the cream” and “the clear” to elite athlet

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