CBP Seizes 846 Pounds of Khat at BWI, Following 412-Pound Bust Days Earlier
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 20
CBP Seizes 846 Pounds of Khat at BWI, Following 412-Pound Bust Days Earlier
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 20
Summary
846 pounds of khat packed into 12 suitcases were seized from two New York men who arrived from London at Baltimore/Washington International Airport on Aug. 13, CBP said.
Field tests identified the tea leaf-like material as khat, an illegal stimulant with an estimated street value of about $100,000; CBP seized the bags and released the men pending further investigation.
CBP said smuggling such large khat loads in passenger baggage is unusual, even as officers have seen substantial quantities moved in commercial shipments.
412 pounds of khat worth roughly $50,000 were also seized at BWI earlier that week from baggage arriving on London flights, underscoring a recent surge in interceptions at the airport.