The scanners were inaugurated Monday at the port north of Lima, with Peruvian customs officials saying the equipment will allow authorities to inspect shipping containers in real time without opening them, improving cargo security while reducing delays in international trade.

The deployment comes as Chancay continues to expand its role as a key logistics center linking South America and Asia, underscoring the strategic importance of the facility amid growing international commercial and security interests in the region.

Customs Authorities Emphasize Security and Efficiency

Peru’s customs agency said the newly installed technology will improve the detection of illicit goods while streamlining inspection procedures.

According to the agency, the scanners are expected to reduce customs processing times, lower logistics costs, and strengthen security throughout the international supply chain.

U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro attended the inauguration ceremony. The U.S. Embassy later stated that the equipment was provided through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the State Department.

The embassy said the scanners would help identify illicit cargo, facilitate trade flows, and support transparency in port operations. U.S. officials will also provide training to ensure Peruvian personnel can independently operate the systems.

Drug Trafficking Remains a Major Concern

The installation reflects ongoing efforts by Peru and international partners to address drug trafficking challenges that continue to affect the country.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Peru remains one of the world’s leading cocaine-producing nations. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has identified Peru as the world’s second-largest cultivator of coca leaf, the primary raw material used in cocaine production, after Colombia.

Peruvian government officials previously warned lawmakers about what they described as an “exponential” increase in drug trafficking activity.

Official figures show that coca cultivation areas expanded significantly over the past decade, reaching 89,755 hectares in 2024 compared with 42,900 hectares in 2014.

Authorities view enhanced cargo screening as an important tool in preventing illegal narcotics and other prohibited goods from moving through international trade routes.

Chancay Port Expands Strategic Importance

The Port of Chancay has emerged as one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Latin America.

The facility was inaugurated in November 2024 during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping and is majority-owned by COSCO Shipping, a Chinese state-owned enterprise that operates ports, shipping fleets, and logistics networks worldwide.

With investment exceeding $1.3 billion, Chancay is considered the deepest port in Latin America, featuring a depth of 17.8 meters that enables some of the world’s largest cargo vessels to dock.

The day after the port’s inauguration, the United States announced plans to provide the scanning equipment, valued at more than $8.5 million. At the time, U.S. officials said the technology would help ensure cargo moving through the facility does not pose security risks.

Trade Links Continue to Grow

Chinese officials say Chancay has rapidly expanded its commercial reach since beginning operations.

Speaking at a recent ceremony at the port, Chinese Ambassador Song Yang said the facility now supports three major maritime routes and four feeder routes connecting Peru with key ports in China as well as destinations in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, and Panama.

China has been Peru’s largest trading partner for more than a decade and maintains substantial investments across sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure, and transportation.

The addition of U.S.-funded security technology at a Chinese-operated port highlights Peru’s efforts to balance international trade growth with enhanced customs enforcement as Chancay develops into one of the region’s most important logistics hubs.

Tags: Peru, Chancay Port, United States, China, Drug Trafficking, Trade Security, Infrastructure, High Energy X-Ray, Port Scanners, Logistics

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Unclear Suspension, Possible Tariff-Related Issues

While the USPS did not initially provide a reason for the temporary suspension, its Wednesday statement suggested the decision was linked to the new US tariffs imposed on Chinese imports and the elimination of the de minimis exemption.

Previously, this exemption allowed packages valued at less than $800 to enter the US without duties or inspections. With its removal, customs officials now face the massive challenge of inspecting incoming parcels to collect new import taxes.

“The USPS and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are working closely together to implement an efficient collection mechanism for the new China tariffs to ensure the least disruption to package delivery,” the USPS said in its statement.

Impact on E-Commerce Giants

The brief suspension threatened major e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu, whose business models depend on the de minimis exemption to ship low-cost goods directly to US consumers. The relaxed regulations had previously allowed over a billion packages to flood the US annually, offering budget-conscious shoppers affordable clothing, electronics, and household items.

Chelsey Tam, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, highlighted the logistical challenges USPS now faces:

“There were 4 million de minimis packages per day in 2024. Checking all those packages for taxes will take time.”

China Retaliates with Economic Measures

China responded swiftly to the new US tariffs with a set of countermeasures announced Tuesday, including:

• 15% tax on certain types of coal and liquefied natural gas
• 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large cars, and pickup trucks
• New export controls on more than two dozen metal products and related technologies
• Blacklisting of US firms like biotech company Illumina and fashion retailer PVH Group

These measures will take effect on February 10.

China Calls US Actions ‘Unreasonable Suppression’

During a Wednesday press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry urged the US to stop politicizing trade issues.

“Washington must cease its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies,” said spokesman Lin Jian, adding that China will take necessary steps to defend its businesses.

Trade Tensions Escalate

As trade tensions rise, former President Donald Trump—who initiated these tariffs—stated on Tuesday that he was in “no rush” to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, despite previously suggesting a conversation might happen within 24 hours.

Experts warn that requiring inspections for every package could significantly slow down international deliveries. While CBP has the authority to inspect all international parcels, in practice, not every item is opened. CNN has reached out to CBP for further comment.

This story has been updated with additional information and context.

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French customs officials have issued a health warning regarding the consumption of so-called “aphrodisiac honey,” which has been illegally imported and mixed with medications used to treat erectile dysfunction. The warning comes after a significant surge in product seizures in 2024, following a trend observed in recent years.

In one of the largest operations, customs officers intercepted a shipment from Malaysia at the Port of Marseille in November, discovering 860,000 illicit products weighing a total of 13 metric tonnes (14.3 tons). In another investigation, over 238 kilograms (525 pounds) of the adulterated honey were seized from a storage box.

Illegally Imported Products with Dangerous Additives

The honey, often imported from Malaysia, Turkey, and Tunisia, is typically packaged under names such as Black Horse and Bio Max. Sold in various forms such as shots or sticks, these products are marketed with claims of health benefits and are often found in nightclubs and other venues.

What buyers may not know is that these honey products are laced with drugs like sildenafil and tadalafil, which are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of these active ingredients, though the products fail to specify the dosage or warn of any potential side effects or health risks.

Officials have stressed the dangers of consuming these adulterated products, which are often purchased without a prescription. “The consumer is exposed to non-negligible risks in taking this kind of adulterated honey,” a statement from French customs read.

Health Risks and Lack of Regulation

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, especially among older men, the medication required to treat it is tightly regulated in France, where doctors must prescribe such drugs. The issue arises when these medications are illegally introduced into products like honey without any oversight, leaving users unaware of the risks involved.

The condition itself is often linked to low testosterone levels but can also result from the use of substances like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana, which can impact sexual function. While ED drugs counteract these effects, unregulated doses from illicit sources can lead to serious health complications.

A Growing Concern

As the popularity of these so-called aphrodisiac honey products grows, French customs officials have pledged to continue their efforts to crack down on illegal shipments. They urge consumers to remain cautious and avoid purchasing such products, as they may carry significant health risks without the safeguards that come with legitimate prescriptions.

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