French customs have raised the alarm over the record amount of “adulterated honey” pouring into the country, which has been laced with potentially lethal doses of Viagra.

       Officials warned on Monday that the illicit import of banned “love honey” has increased significantly in recent weeks.

       French customs said 2024 was a record year for the seizure of the substance.

       The product is reportedly being sold on the black market online and in corner shops for “recreational purposes.”

       Dubbed “erectile honey”, it purports to be an all-natural aphrodisiac.

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       However, the substance is laced with the elements of the prescription drugs Viagra and Cialis, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction.

       French customs said in a statement: “Tests carried out by the Joint Laboratory Service (Customs and DGCCRF) detect the presence of active ingredients such as Sildenafil or Tadalafil, both of which are used to treat erectile dysfunction and are subject to regulation.

       “As the amount of adulteration is unknown, and the doses consumed are neither recommended nor quantified, consumers are taking considerable risks by taking this type of adulterated honey, especially as there is no mention of dosage, contra-indications or adverse effects on the sachets.”

       Dr Alain Ducardonnet, cardiologist, told a local outlet broadcaster there is a risk of “serious or even fatal accidents” if it is taken alongside other medicines.

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       It is also possible to overdose and suffer epileptic seizures, haemorrhages or kidney problems as a result, he said. In 2021, health authorities warned of several cases where the honey led to convulsions, cerebral oedema and acute kidney injuries.

       Last November, French officials seized 13 tons of the laced honey from Malaysia and arrived in Marseille, southern France. In June, customs officers from Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand found nearly 25,000 doses of the honey in a storage box.

       The substance is mostly shipped to France from Turkey, north Africa and southeast Asia.

       The customs office's shipments "arrive by sea, in containers in large quantities, or by express freight, in smaller volumes, following purchases on the Internet."