Travelers Caught with Large Khat Shipment at Maryland Airport

Two travelers arriving from London allegedly brought around 850 pounds of khat in twelve suitcases, which was discovered by customs officials at a Maryland airport.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that two American citizens from New York landed at Baltimore-Washington International Airport on August 13. They were selected for secondary screening by customs.

During the search of their bags, officers uncovered a significant amount of what initially seemed to be tea leaves. Testing later identified the substance as khat, according to CBP.

Each traveler was found to have six soft-sided suitcases filled with the substance. In total, the seized material weighed around 847 pounds and was valued at approximately $100,000.

CBP indicated that the men were released while the investigation continues.

Khat, sometimes referred to as Abyssinian tea or African salad, is typically cultivated in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It’s commonly chewed for effects similar to those of amphetamines, and dried leaves can be brewed into a stimulating tea.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notes that khat contains two central nervous system stimulants: cathinone (listed as a Schedule I controlled substance) and cathine (considered a Schedule IV controlled substance).

Symptoms associated with khat toxicity include delusions, appetite loss, breathing difficulties, and elevated heart rate and blood pressure, according to the DEA. Notably, the World Health Organization categorized khat as a drug of abuse back in 1980.

This seizure came shortly after another incident at the same airport, where CBP officers confiscated an additional 412 pounds of khat from unclaimed luggage. In that case, a suspected smuggler reportedly fled the scene when confronted, leaving behind the cargo.

Adam Lotman, CBP’s Baltimore District Port Director, remarked on the unusual nature of smuggling such a large quantity of khat in travelers’ luggage, saying, “Customs and Border Protection agents have noticed a significant number of khat smuggling attempts in commercial shipments but this sort of case isn’t common.” He stressed the health risks associated with khat and affirmed the agency’s commitment to continuing their efforts against drug smuggling.

So far this year, CBP has seized about 20,000 pounds of khat, while last year the total was around 46,000 pounds.