AUSTIN(Legal Newsline)-The sale of the popular energy drink "Cocaine" has been banned in the state of Texas, Attorney General Greg Abbott said March 24.
Judge Carlos Cortez of Dallas, siding with the Republican attorney general, ruled that the product cannot be sold in the Lone Star States and all Internet marketing must disclose that the product is not available in Texas.
Officials said because Redux Beverages LLC failed to appear in court, the judge entered permanent injunction with civil penalties of $825,000.
The attorney general's office claimed that Nevada-based Redux beverages marketed the high-caffeine energy drink as a legal alternative to cocaine and as a dietary supplement that could cure diseases.
Abbott's office said the company violated the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act, as well as U.S. Food and Drug Administration's regulations in its sales and marketing efforts.
"By marketing the product as a dietary supplement with curative qualities, the defendant made unsubstantiated claims that it could help treat depression, lower cholesterol, prevent hardening of arteries and protect nerve fibers from glucose damage," the attorney general's office said in a statement.
"Only manufacturers of FDA-approved drugs may make those claims - but the claims must be supported by legitimate scientific research."
At least one other state attorney general has taken issue with the energy drink. In 2007, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madiagn, a Democrat, demanded that the product be removed from stores.
"This is a product that glamorizes illegal drug use and it is highly irresponsible and reckless," Madigan said at the time. "The State of Illinois will not tolerate its sale, especially to children."
From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.