Honey with Viagra is catching up

French authorities recently seized a huge quantity of Viagra honey, 13 tons, which contained a total of 860,000 packages of honey sticks. The raid took place last November, but has only now been reported. This quantity is the largest seizure in the country’s history in this category.

Previously, in June 2023, customs officers confiscated 25,000 sticks in Lyon and Clermont-Ferrand. The popularity of Viagra honey and the number of seizures are also increasing dramatically: while only 18 cases were reported in 2019, this number has increased to 131 by 2023.

Why is Viagra honey dangerous?

The consumption of the active ingredients sildenafil and tadalafil requires strict medical supervision, as these drugs, developed to treat erectile dysfunction, can cause serious side effects. Viagra honey can become especially dangerous if consumed with alcohol, other drugs, or blood pressure medications.

The product’s easy availability and low price – a dose can cost just a few euros – may be attractive to laypeople, but authorities warn that consumers could end up in a life-threatening situation. Viagra honey is often sold in convenience stores, as a party food or aphrodisiac.

The black market for Viagra honey

The popularity of Viagra honey on the black market has also accelerated the illegal trade. Such products usually arrive in France in small quantities, in the form of honey sticks or cups, and increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods are used to try to evade the authorities. The main sources of illegal imports remain Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.

French police and customs authorities are increasingly taking action in the fight against Viagra honey. In addition to the latest record-breaking seizure, the authorities are also placing great emphasis on prevention and trying to raise public awareness of the dangers of consuming the drug.