The Rising Smuggling of Khat: A Closer Look at the Stimulant Drug
By Editor • August 31, 2026 • 1 min read
In recent weeks, the illicit smuggling of khat into the United States has surged, with thousands of pounds intercepted at various airports. Khat, pronounced like 'cot,' is a flowering shrub native to parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, known for its stimulant effects when its leaves are chewed.
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies khat as a Schedule 1 drug, indicating it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, similar to heroin and ecstasy. Users often experience heightened energy, euphoria, and can suffer from severe psychological effects, including paranoia and hallucinations.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has ramped up efforts to combat the smuggling of this drug. Recently, over 1,200 pounds of khat were seized at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport from travelers arriving from Senegal. Additional large quantities were confiscated at Baltimore Washington International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Michael Pfieffer, acting director of operations at CBP’s Chicago Field Office, praised the agency's efforts, stating that criminals continuously attempt to bypass customs regulations. "Our officers do a better job of finding it and pursuing prosecutorial options," he noted.
Source: www.independent.co.uk
