Authorities Seize Over 800 Pounds of Khat Found Packed Inside Suitcases on Flight from London

**Record Khat Seizure at Maryland Airport Highlights Drug Smuggling Challenges**

In a significant narcotics bust, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers intercepted nearly 850 pounds of khat from two New York men arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. The seizure took place on 13 August, with authorities reporting that the illicit substance was stored in an astonishing 12 suitcases.

The khat’s estimated street value is around $100,000, a considerable sum that underscores the growing concerns surrounding drug smuggling operations in the United States. The two individuals, who had just arrived from London, were subjected to a secondary examination by CBP officers, during which the substantial amount of khat was discovered and subsequently confiscated.

According to CBP, the khat discovered was initially mistaken for tea leaves, but further inspection confirmed its identity. This latest seizure not only highlights a significant enforcement effort but also reflects a worrying trend in drug trafficking tactics.

The two men were released but remain subjects of an ongoing investigation, as authorities seek to understand the extent of the smuggling operation and any potential connections to larger networks. This incident follows another sizeable seizure just days earlier, where officers apprehended 412 pounds of khat that a smuggler abandoned at the airport in a bid to evade capture. These back-to-back incidents are raising alarms among authorities about changing smuggling methods.

Adam Rottman, the CBP’s Baltimore Area Port Director, stated that while significant quantities of khat have been noted in commercial shipments, the sheer volume found in travellers’ luggage is unusual. He commented on the challenges of drug smuggling: “Smuggling loads of this volume inside traveller baggage is a bit unusual, and not any more successful,” indicating the increased scrutiny and enforcement efforts by CBP officers.

Khat is a plant native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its stimulant properties when chewed. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorically states that khat has no accepted medical use within the United States, and Rottman reiterated the dangers associated with the substance. He warned that khat use poses severe health risks and emphasised the agency’s commitment to combating such illegal activities.

Recent statistics reveal a worrying trend in khat smuggling. CBP has documented significant quantities of the drug seized over recent fiscal years. During fiscal year 2025 alone, nearly 46,000 pounds of khat were confiscated, with an additional almost 19,000 pounds seized in the first nine months of the following fiscal year. This uptick in figures illustrates the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and its implications for public health and safety.

The prudent response from CBP and local law enforcement highlights a determined effort to disrupt these smuggling routes and hold perpetrators accountable. The agency has repeatedly called for vigilance among communities to help combat drug abuse and trafficking.

For those struggling with substance abuse or seeking information on support options, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

As the investigation continues, the interception at Baltimore/Washington International Airport serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the fight against illegal drug trade. With drug smuggling tactics continuing to evolve, agencies like the CBP are poised to adapt and reinforce their preventative measures to protect public health and welfare.