The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) called the findings the biggest anabolic-steroid bust in sports history.

"What we have uncovered appears to be intentional doping of the worst sort," said Terry Madden, chief executive officer of the USADA. "This is a far cry from athletes accidentally testing positive as a result of taking contaminated nutritional supplements. We're not dealing with supplements here, we are dealing with hard-core, anabolic steroids."

Madden declined to identify the athletes, all of whom participate in track and field.

Officials learned about the drug by an anonymous track and field coach who sent a used syringe to the USADA.

The drug was reportedly distributed to athletes by Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO), a nutrition company in Burlingame, Calif.

The case was turned over to the Department of Justice.

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