Investigators seize 1.8m fake energy drinks in US raid

The manufacturer of an energy drink facing FDA scrutiny has seized 1.8m counterfeit bottles of its product in a raid on a San Diego plant.

Living Essentials, which produces the 5-Hour Energy drink, conducted the raid after tracing counterfeits back through the supply chain from retail stores including CVS and 7-Eleven. Wholesale distributors in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas eventually led investigators to the source.

After getting court approval, local police and outside investigators hired by Living Essentials raided a San Diego facility. The plant was unmanned but contained ingredients to make the counterfeits and documents linking the operation to the alleged bosses of the business. 

"We are extremely upset that a group of alleged criminals preyed upon and profited from the loyal, hardworking customers who have come to rely on us to provide them with a high-quality product,” Scott Henderson, president of 5-Hour Energy, said.

The raids come as 5-Hour Energy defends the safety of its products amid reports linking the drinks to 13 deaths.