Four Loko loses caffeine, not its buzz

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Four Loko has lost the caffeine, but not its potent punch.

It has the same amount of alcohol, minus the caffeine.

Still, some in the law enforcement community are concerned about the fruity booze getting in the wrong hands.

Erie County Sheriff's Office Senior Investigator Jim Hatch said, "One can of Loko is five and a half cans of beer."

That has law enforcement officers, like Hatch, concerned.

But Four Loko's make voluntarily ceased selling the caffeinated version in New York State after pressure was brought by state and federal regulators.

Jim Hatch still sees trouble ahead.

How big of a problem?

"It's very big," said Hatch.

Big, he says, because the 24 ounce can still contains 12 percent alcohol by volume.

And it's cheap, you can buy it for around $3 a can.

"I think they're packaged to appeal to underage drinkers," said Hatch.

Hatch said, "It certainly doesn't make any difference to the underage drinkers that are buying it, because they weren't buying it for the caffeine."

A check of area stores found the colorful can in supply.

In undercover video, someone purchased Four Loko and did show a valid I.D.

"It's very popular among High School students, and it's all over the county. It's in the city. It's in the towns," said Hatch.

The drink is popular across the country.

News 4 found numerous YouTube videos of young people drinking Four Loko.

In one video, guys fill a funnel and then guzzle it in a matter of seconds.

For some it's about bragging rights, who can down it the fastest.

So, while the product is now reformulated, it's no less worrisome to investigator Hatch, who's seen his share of underage drinking parties.

"The kids are falling down drunk. They're throwing up. They're sick to their stomach. They're engaged in all sorts of risky activity," Hatch said,

According to the company's website, the makers of Four Loko say, the only effective way to address alcohol abuse and underage drinking is with stricter enforcement of existing laws.