Source: Fox News
Introduction
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers recently intercepted a significant shipment of illicit narcotics at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The operation resulted in the seizure of nearly 850 pounds of khat, a potent stimulant, which was concealed within a dozen suitcases.
This massive haul was discovered after CBP officers identified two travelers arriving from London as subjects for secondary inspection. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to curb the international smuggling of prohibited substances into the United States.
What Happened
On August 13, two U.S. citizens traveling from London landed at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Upon arrival, customs officers referred both individuals for a comprehensive secondary screening process.
During the examination of their luggage, officials uncovered 12 soft-sided suitcases packed with a substance that initially resembled tea leaves. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that the material was khat, also known scientifically as Catha edulis. Each traveler was in possession of six suitcases, bringing the total weight of the confiscated contraband to approximately 847 pounds. Following the discovery, the two individuals were released as federal authorities continue their investigation into the smuggling attempt.
Background
Khat is a plant native to regions in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. While it is sometimes referred to as "Abyssinian tea" or "African salad," the plant is widely recognized for its amphetamine-like properties. Users typically chew the leaves to experience these stimulant effects, though the dried product can also be processed into a tea.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies the chemical components of khat, specifically cathinone and cathine, as controlled substances. Cathinone is categorized as a Schedule I substance, while cathine is listed as a Schedule IV substance. The World Health Organization has formally classified khat as a drug of abuse since 1980.
Key Details
The following table outlines the specifics regarding the recent seizure of the illicit cargo and the broader context of CBP enforcement efforts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Interception | August 13 |
| Total Weight Seized | Approximately 847 pounds |
| Estimated Street Value | Approximately $100,000 |
| Container Type | 12 soft-sided suitcases |
| CBP Seizures (Last Fiscal Year) | Approximately 46,000 pounds |
| CBP Seizures (Current Fiscal Year) | Approximately 20,000 pounds |
Impact
The health risks associated with khat consumption are significant. According to the DEA, ingestion of the substance can lead to severe physiological and psychological reactions, including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, respiratory difficulty, appetite loss, and hallucinations or delusions.
Adam Rottman, the CBP Baltimore Area Port Director, noted that while his agency frequently encounters khat in commercial freight shipments, the discovery of such a large volume hidden within personal traveler baggage is highly irregular. Rottman emphasized that the agency remains committed to identifying and seizing dangerous substances at ports of entry to ensure public safety and hold smugglers accountable.
What Happens Next
Federal authorities have indicated that the two travelers involved in the incident have been released while the investigation remains active. This discovery occurred only days after a separate incident at the same airport, where CBP officers recovered 412 pounds of khat from abandoned luggage. In that instance, the smuggler fled the scene after being confronted by officials. Given the recent spike in activity, CBP continues to monitor international arrivals closely to detect and prevent the distribution of this illicit stimulant.
