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[Definitie:] "An ergogenic aid is any substance or phenomenon that enhances performance."
(Wilmore and Costill) 
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2 1 - 0 9 - 2 0 0 7 Federal agents raid steroid lab in Sayreville home
JEFF WHELAN
Federal agents yesterday busted a steroid lab in a Sayreville basement that prosecutors said produced "massive quantities" of the illegal drugs.
Alfred Scarpa, a 34-year-old ex-convict and an electrician who allegedly operated the lab out of his house on a quiet cul-de-sac, was arrested and charged with manufacturing, possessing and distributing anabolic steroids.
FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration agents raided Scarpa's home yesterday morning, seizing $56,000, more than 40,000 doses of anabolic steroids, and various chemicals and equipment used to mix and produce the muscle-building drugs, authorities said. They also found two semi-automatic weapons, according to a criminal complaint filed against Scarpa.
"It appears that Mr. Scarpa is a significant manufacturer and distributor of illegal steroid products and faces substantial jail time, if convicted," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Kirsch.
Kirsch declined to comment on the origins of the investigation or identify Scarpa's alleged suppliers or customers. He also would not comment on whether others would be charged, but said the investigation is "active and ongoing."
As early as January 2005, law enforcement officials obtained records of dozens of transactions in which Scarpa wired at least $25,000 to suppliers of anabolic steroid products through Western Union, according to an affidavit by FBI Special Agent Bryan Lee Travers.
Authorities also obtained e-mails from Scarpa's accounts dating back to April 2006 in which he allegedly negotiated the purchase of steroid powders.
"I NEED TESTOSTERONE, HEPTYLATE, THERMAX ... CAN YOU GET THIS MY KING OF POWDER'S," Scarpa allegedly wrote to one unidentified supplier.
Yesterday, law enforcement officials from the FBI, DEA the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Food and Drug Administration's office of criminal investigations descended on Scarpa's split-level home.
As authorities carted out boxes, plastic tubs and what appeared to be chemicals and tablets, one neighbor a few houses down the well-kept block quietly worked in his garden. Another resident of the block said she was receiving a grocery delivery when authorities moved in on Scarpa's home.
"The delivery man was looking up in the sky, and there is this helicopter hovering overhead," said the neighbor, who requested her name not be published. "I've always bragged that this was a quiet street."
Scarpa made his initial court appearance yesterday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Esther Salas. A chunky, overweight man with a shaved head and goatee, he wore a faded black T-shirt, jeans shorts and flip-flops.
Kirsch told the judge that the raid showed "massive quantities" of anabolic steroids were being produced at Scarpa's home.
Authorities discovered plastic tubs filled with finished steroids, a plastic bag filled with tablets and hand pumps affixed to large brown glass bottles filled with liquid, authorities said. They also found 1.5 kilograms of raw steroid powders and vials of various chemicals used in mixing the drugs.
Kirsch argued that Scarpa was a flight risk and a danger, citing the seizure of two semi-automatic pistols from his home and the defendant's two prior convictions for drug offenses. The charges against Scarpa carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and he could face more if convicted of possessing firearms as a convict, Kirsch said.
Salas ordered Scarpa detained pending a bail hearing next week. Thomas Moran, who represented Scarpa at the hearing, declined to comment.
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