CBP, US Coast Guard Seize more than 10 tons of khat
In a joint operation, CBP and the U.S. Coast Guard seized more than 10 tons of khat. |
The khat, which was destined for the United States, was shipped from Kenya as tea. It is the largest seizure in the Puget Sound area. Khat is a plant native in Africa and contains cathinone which causes stimulation and excitement. Its leaves are chewed or dried for tea. Cathinone is known to be very addictive and has been classified as a controlled substance in the United States since May 1987.
On May 27, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and U.S. Coast Guard at the Port of Seattle conducted an exam on a container that appeared to contain khat. Samples were extracted from the container and sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Laboratories and Scientific Services confirmed the next day by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The analysis returned presumptive results of Cathinone, a Schedule I, controlled substance. In total, CBP officers seized 623 boxes of khat with a total weight of approximately 20,215 pounds. The shipment was manifested as dried tea leaves from Kenya and destined to Seattle. CBP officers seized the khat for proper storage pending destruction.
“This khat seizure demonstrates Customs and Border Protection officers’ effectiveness, dedication and expertise searching through the tens of thousands of international containers to find the proverbial needle in the haystack,” said J. Rene Ortega, CBP’s Port Director for the Area Port of Seattle. “Khat remains illegal to import into the United States and CBP officers will continue to seize khat and all illicit substances that pose a threat. Drug interdiction at our nation’s borders is one of many ways in which CBP helps to keep our communities safe.”
“This seizure underscores the importance of inter-agency cooperation,” said Capt. Patrick Hilbert, Sector Puget Sound Commander. “The Coast Guard and Customs and Border Patrol frequently train and operate together to safeguard our borders. This success is a direct result of that cooperation.”
Khat is a green, leafy plant typically grown in the Arabian Peninsula and many parts of Africa. It is chewed for its stimulant effect. The World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse in 1980.
The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies khat as a Schedule I narcotic – the most restrictive category used by the DEA – when the leaves are freshly picked. Its principal components, cathine and cathinone, are considered controlled substances in the United States.
CBP routinely conducts enforcement operations on international passengers and cargo and searches for narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products.
Related News
"Huge" drug lines and new disguise tricks
15:34 | 24/04/2024 Anti-Smuggling
Ta Lung Customs' revenue flourishes
10:31 | 24/04/2024 Customs
Noi Bai Customs: dealing with to drug crimes using high technology
14:16 | 19/04/2024 Anti-Smuggling
Praising competent authorities for seizure 100 kg of meth in Quang Tri
09:58 | 16/04/2024 Customs
Latest News
Saudi customs receives global acclaim for two-hour clearance service
07:49 | 05/04/2024 World Customs
Customs create safe environment for all procedures
10:01 | 22/03/2024 World Customs
Hong Kong customs arrests 7 for laundering $1.8 billion
14:51 | 23/02/2024 World Customs
The Republic of Nicaragua accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention as the 136th Contracting Party
17:44 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
More News
Bulgaria Announces Merger of Customs and Revenue Agencies
17:43 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
Employing AI, ML in Customs and border management
07:53 | 13/02/2024 World Customs
Digital technologies in customs control
08:06 | 11/02/2024 World Customs
Customs seize cocaine 'skilfully' disguised as wine
15:29 | 23/01/2024 World Customs
Abu Dhabi Customs Supports Inspection System with Smart Devices that Streamline and Expedite Goods and Passengers Movement in Al Ain Ports
13:41 | 17/01/2024 World Customs
$10.2M in methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in flower shipment seized at Texas-Mexico border
13:57 | 11/01/2024 World Customs
World Customs Organization welcomes new Secretary General
13:55 | 11/01/2024 World Customs
2024 remains challenging for wood sector: experts
15:51 | 02/01/2024 World Customs
WCO and China Customs launch Smart Customs Project
14:55 | 23/12/2023 World Customs
Your care
Saudi customs receives global acclaim for two-hour clearance service
07:49 | 05/04/2024 World Customs
Customs create safe environment for all procedures
10:01 | 22/03/2024 World Customs
Hong Kong customs arrests 7 for laundering $1.8 billion
14:51 | 23/02/2024 World Customs
The Republic of Nicaragua accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention as the 136th Contracting Party
17:44 | 21/02/2024 World Customs
Bulgaria Announces Merger of Customs and Revenue Agencies
17:43 | 21/02/2024 World Customs