Federal agents searched the Waikiki Fire Station last week as part of an investigation into whether a 36-year-old firefighter allegedly imported anabolic steroids from China.

Agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Food and Drug administration searched the firefighter's locker on June 25 and seized several vials of liquid, authorities said.

The firefighter's name was not released.

Agents also searched the firefighter's vehicle and Marin Tower condominium, confiscating a lap top computer. The confiscated vials are being tested in a lab in order to determine their contents, authorities said.

The firefighter has not been arrested or indicted and remains on active duty with the fire department.

Honolulu Fire Capt. Terry D. Seelig said no city property was taken during the searches.

"We cooperated with federal investigators who had a search warrant for the Waikiki fire station. It (the warrant) did not relate to the company or department," said Seelig. "There was no impact on our ability to do our job."

The department will wait for the outcome of the federal probe before deciding if disciplinary action is warranted.

ICE officials declined comment yesterday. Food and Drug Administration officials were unavailable yesterday.

The firefighter's attorney, Victor J. Bakke, did not return a message seeking comment.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, steroids are not commonly sold on the streets in Hawai'i but can be purchased via the Internet.

Steroids are shipped into the United States from Asia, Mexico, Canada and Europe, according to the DEA.

It is illegal to possess anabolic steroids without a prescription.

Possession is punishable by up to one year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine for a first offense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Trafficking the drug can result in five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.