Greg Abbott
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has temporarily given "Cocaine" the blow from his state. Abbott today announced that the controversial energy drink cannot be marketed, stored or distributed in the state. The ban on "Cocaine" will last until a court case against Nevada-based producer Redux Beverages Nov. 5. The Dallas County 44th District Court today granted Abbott a temporary injunction against Redux and the drink's Texas-based warehousers and distributors. The court states in the injunction that "Cocaine," which Redux touts as "liquid speed", may be an unapproved drug. Abbott charges that Redux markets "Cocaine" toward young consumers "with illegal drug references and false claims of health benefits." Marketing and selling the drink has already stirred up significant controversy in other states. Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal already has touted his recent victory over its manufacturers over the airwaves, LegalNewsLine reported recently. Abbott originally received a temporary restraining order against Redux selling Cocaine in Texas from the Dallas County Court on May 2. The Attorney General had filed suit against the company earlier that day for misleading and unapproved marketing. The Texas Department of State Health Services had earlier seized about $200,000 worth of "Cocaine" at several Dallas-area warehouses, LegalNewsLine reported May 2. Abbott is charging Redux with breaches of the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The Acts carry penalties of $25,000 and $20,000 per violation.