French customs officials said on Monday that a record 31,000 tonnes of illegally imported honey, which was imported as an all-natural sexual enhancer – but often contaminated with drugs, had been seized. erectile dysfunction – caught in the country last year.
The packets of honey and gels, sold as “shots” or “sticks” with names like Black Horse or Bio Max, are often sold slyly in clubs and other nightlife venues.
The use of “aphrodisiac honey” has increased in recent years, with officials warning of potentially serious health risks from ingredients not listed on labels.
“Since the level of contamination is unknown, and the doses consumed are not recommended or measured, the consumer is taking great risks by consuming this type of adulterated honey,” said French customs office in a report.
They often contain chemical products such as sildenafil or tadalafil, the main ingredients in the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis, which in France are only available on prescription.
French Customs
Already in 2021, health authorities had warned of several cases where the honey had caused attacks, cerebral edemas or serious kidney injuries.
The French customs office said they seized 31,000 tonnes, most of which came from countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.
“They arrive by sea, in containers in large quantities, or by express cargo, in smaller quantities, after purchasing on the Internet,” the office said.
The largest find was made in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille in November – 13 tons worth in about 860,000 sticks in a shipment from Malaysia.
Last June, officials said customs officials from Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand seized nearly 25,000 doses of the honey in a storage box.
