12/21/2010

Import Alert # 31-05
Published Date: 10/02/2009
Type: DWPE with Surveillance
Import Alert Name:
"Herbal Teas Containing Cocaine"

Reason for Alert:
Import Alert #31-05 was originally issued in 1986 in response to a published article (JAMA 1/3/86) which reported that a Peruvian Herbal Tea called "Health Inca Tea" contained cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) confirmed that they had seized several shipments of this tea in Hawaii, Chicago, Georgia, and other locations on the East Coast. Each analysis they had performed revealed the presence of cocaine. DEA has stated the product may be imported by b(4)                                      and/or by a firm called b(4)                                  

DEA was alerted to the problem previous to 1986 when the military was finding traces of cocaine in individuals who consumed the tea.

The Health Inca Tea label indicated the product was manufactured by "Enaco for Inca Coca Tea Peruana S.A. Lima, Peru." The product label also indicated the product was made from decocainized coca leaves.

In July 1992, Baltimore District discovered and sampled a commercial shipment of tea from Bolivia. The product was labeled in part, "Mates Amancay *C.A.M. Triple Mate Coca-Anis-Manzanilla * Laboratorios Alfa Ltda. * La Paz Bolivia**" with no English labeling. There were 100 tea bags in envelopes per box. CIN-DO confirmed cocaine derivative in the product.

Guidance:
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) continues its interest in this problem and has agreed to take seizure action against any importation of herbal teas containing cocaine. If these products are encountered, contact Mr. Paul Hugentobar at DEA headquarters, telephone number 202-307-4747. Mr. Snyder will inform the local DEA office of the shipment and they will seize it. DO NOT SIGN MAY PROCEED NOTICES which would release shipments.

Product Description:
Peruvian herbal tea called "Health Inca Tea" and Bolivian herbal tea

Dec 21, 2010 6:00:32 AM

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