Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. - Less than a week after he called for it, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced Monday that the energy drink Cocaine has been embargoed.
Blumenthal claims that Redux Beverages' marketing is "reprehensible" and an insult to anyone trying to deter drug use.
According to a report in the Hartford Courant, officials from the state's Department of Consumer Protection stopped warehouses from distributing 7,200 cans of Cocaine on Monday.
"We welcome this embargo, immediately stopping sales of this unlicensed Cocaine energy drink," Blumenthal said. "My office will continue the fight to ensure that this product is permanently banned from store shelves because it dangerously and irresponsibly glamorizes illicit drug use, especially for children."
Blumenthal added that he will take aggressive legal action if Redux Beverages doesn't comply with the embargo.
Also, he says the company may have violated federal and state regulations.
"This united front in fighting Cocaine -- mobilizing state, federal and local agencies -- should send a message to Cocaine manufacturers: this so-called legal alternative is unlawful and unwelcome on our store shelves," Blumenthal said.
According to the report, Commissioner Jerry Farrell Jr. of the Department of Consumer Protection said the drink was not targeted because of its name, but because the company does not have a license.