A lab analysis was conducted on 900 pounds of rubber, leather, and other fabrics used to make the Air Jordan sneakers. The results of the testing indicated the fabrics had significant amounts of Benzoylecgonine in the material. Authorities questioned Lao regarding their findings however concluded Lao had no involvement.
Da-Xia Hùifang, a reporter for China Sun Daily, interviewed Lao on his recent discovery. According to the report, Lao told China Sun Daily that he believes that the drug has been part of the material for years because of how popular the sneaker brand is.
“I have never seen a sneaker sell as quickly as Air Jordans. There are thousands of sneaker brands on the market but none of them have surpassed the sales of Air Jordan. Kids literally starve themselves in China to buy a new pair of Air Jordans. There is an entire underground market for Air Jordan sneakers which I can now understand why. These sneakers are “addicting” to many because they are putting Cocaine in them,” said Lao.
Chinese officials are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the narcotics. Lao’s factory has been reopened however the production of Air Jordan sneakers has been halted until the investigation is completed.