Commonly marketed substance contained dangerous drugs

USPlabs, that market the best-selling workout supplement Jack3d, and six of its executives face criminal charges for the unlawful sale of nutritional supplements, the U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday.

The indictment alleged that USPlabs LLC used a synthetic stimulant made in China to make Jack3d and OxyElite Pro but told retailers that the supplements were manufactured from plant extracts. The supplements had $400 million in sales between 2008 and 2013, according to the indictment.

Jack3d was associated with the deaths of two US soldiers – and these supplements were removed from all US commissary bases. 

Several who have taken this supplement, commonly sold in nutrition stores, have needed liver transplants.

The indictment also said liver injuries associated with the product OxyElite Pro Advanced Formula in late 2013, and several users needed liver transplants.

USPlabs were told of the potential danger  agreed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration  to stop marketing the supplement but instead tried to sell off inventories as quickly as possible.

“The Justice Department and its federal partners have joined forces to bringing to justice companies and individuals who profit from products that threaten consumer health,” said Benjamin C. Mizer, principal deputy assistant attorney general.

“The USPlabs case and others brought as part of this sweep illustrate alarming practices the department found, practices that must be brought to the public’s attention so consumers know the serious health risks of untested products.”