An Italian shop has been busted for selling herbal tea that contains leaves used to make cocaine, after a bus driver argued for his innocence after being tested positive for cocaine.
A bus driver who was just identified as Roberto, 38 years old, underwent a routine drug test but failed to pass after results showed that he is positive for using illegal drugs. He however protested and claimed he is not guilty for such accusations. While arguing for his innocence, the driver from Genoa said that the only way that could possibly cause it was "delisse alla coca," a herbal tea which he drank a day before taking the test.
According to Independent, to prove his innocence, the company doctor asked him to bring the tea bags to his clinic after he claimed that he's been drinking the tea for some time as it always made him alert while driving on the road.
The doctor personally tested the tea and apparently also tested positive for cocaine.
Food authorities in Italy were later informed about the incident and carried out an investigation. Officials found out that the owner of the shop had all the necessary documents to operate and has been legally purchasing the tea bags from a Milan-based Peruvian wholesaler. They also found out that shop has been selling the bags for years now.
After questioning the shop owner, officers tested the herbal tea and found out it was positive with coca leaves, but it doesn't contain an active ingredient called cocaine hydrochloride. However, they labelled the bags "potentially dangerous" as it could potentially impair motorists' judgement.
After the shocking discovery, authorities received an order to remove all the tea bags from the shop. They are also investigating the wholesaler to find out who was bringing the products into the country.
"delisse alla coca" and other cocaine based teas have been enjoyed for years in Peru.
