Five out of 21 samples of Red Bull products sent for analysis have shown traces of cocaine, in the range of 0.1-0.3 micrograms per litre.

A sample of Red Bull Simply Cola from the UK contained traces of cocaine at 0.3 micrograms per litre. The few retail outlets selling this product have withdrawn the products in the last week.

Three samples of Red Bull Energy Drink from Austria contained traces of cocaine in the range of 0.1-0.2 micrograms per litre. No cocaine was detected in another two samples.

One sample of Red Bull Sugarfree from Austria contained traces of cocaine at 0.2 micrograms per litre. No cocaine was detected in another three samples.

The Hong Kong office of Red Bull GmbH, the Hong Kong distributor of these two products, today sent in product batch information and will arrange samples for testing to know whether it is a systemic issue or relates to any particular lot or serial number. 

Analysis of six samples of Red Bull Energy Drink from Thailand and five samples of Red Bull Energy Drink from Vietnam did not detect any cocaine.

Police are distributing an advisory notice to retailers and eateries starting today, to remind those that are still selling Red Bull products from Austria and the UK to stop doing so now as a matter of precaution.

They may consider returning the products to their suppliers. Traders who continue to deal in any products containing dangerous drugs might be liable to prosecution.