Ruther Glen man charged for illegally selling Four Loko

ABC Special Agents Make Arrest

For Illegal Sale of Four Loko

STAFFORD – Special agents of the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested Ramiro Diaz yesterday for allegedly selling Four Loko on Craigslist.

Diaz, of Ruther Glen, Va., was charged with illegal sale of alcohol.  Virginia law requires a license to sell alcohol and does not permit the sale of malt beverages online.

During an investigation into illegal alcohol sales last week, special agents responded to an advertisement on Craigslist posted by someone selling Four Loko.  An undercover agent made arrangements to meet Diaz to purchase eight cans – one in each flavor – for a total of $80.

Once the sale was complete, the suspect was arrested.  He was released on a summons.  He is scheduled to appear in Stafford County General District Court on Jan. 5.

The Food and Drug Administration determined last month that caffeine was an “unsafe additive” to Four Loko and other alcoholic energy drinks.  Since issuing that decision, the manufacturer has decided to reformulate the drink without caffeine.

“Agents will continue to investigate individuals who try to sell alcohol without a license, including those who attempt to sell caffeinated versions of alcoholic energy drinks online,” said ABC Bureau of Law Enforcement Director Shawn P. Walker.

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