Full Breakdown
Massive Khat Seizures at Baltimore and Dulles Airports Highlight Growing Smuggling Trend
8/21/2026, 12:00:14 PM
Core Events: Large-Scale Khat Interceptions in August 2026
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted three massive shipments of khat—a controlled stimulant plant—in the Baltimore-Washington region within a single week.
- At Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), CBP officers examined luggage from two New York travelers arriving from London. The inspection revealed twelve soft-sided suitcases packed with the plant, totaling roughly 846 lb and an estimated street value of about $100,000. The travelers were released pending investigation.
- In a separate BWI incident earlier that week, officers seized 412 lb of khat from five duffel bags left on a baggage carousel after a London-origin flight, plus an additional 81 lb the following day, valued at approximately $50,000.
- On August 14, 2026, CBP seized 367 lb 9 oz of khat from eight checked suitcases belonging to Mohamed Diawara at Washington Dulles International Airport. Diawara, who arrived from Paris, was arrested and charged with felony possession with intent to distribute. The seized material was valued at about $44,000.
Together, the three incidents represent more than 1,600 lb of khat intercepted in the Baltimore-Washington corridor in a matter of days.
Background & Context
Khat (Catha edulis), also known as Abyssinian tea, is cultivated primarily in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leaves are chewed or brewed for amphetamine-like stimulant effects. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies the active compounds cathinone (Schedule I) and cathine (Schedule IV). The World Health Organization listed khat as a drug of abuse in 1980 and warns that chronic use can lead to cardiovascular, digestive, and psychiatric problems.
Data & Statistics
| Incident | Location | Weight seized | Estimated street value | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-traveler London flight | BWI | ~846 lb | ~$100,000 | CBP press releases |
| Unclaimed baggage from London flight | BWI | 412 lb 4 oz + 81 lb | ~$50,000 | CBP press releases |
| Mohamed Diawara, Paris flight | Dulles | 367 lb 9 oz | ~$44,000 | CBP press releases |
CBP reports seizing more than 19,000 lb of khat nationwide from October 2025 through July 2026, indicating a rise in attempts to transport the plant through passenger luggage.
Official Statements & Responses
Adam Rottman, CBP’s Baltimore Area Port Director, said smuggling such volumes in traveler baggage is “a bit unusual” and affirmed the agency’s commitment to intercepting dangerous drugs. CBP reiterated it will continue to work with law-enforcement partners to hold smugglers accountable.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
*Weight figures differ slightly across outlets: some list the BWI London-flight haul as 846 lb, others as 847 lb, and a third as “nearly 850 lb.”* All reports agree on the magnitude and value but do not disclose the identities of the two New York travelers or the outcome of any criminal prosecution. While the Dulles case resulted in an arrest, the BWI incidents concluded with the travelers released pending investigation.
Why It Matters / Impact
The clustered seizures suggest a shift in smuggling tactics, with traffickers loading bulk quantities of khat directly into passenger suitcases. The interceptions represent both a public-health safeguard and a law-enforcement priority, signaling a potential rise in illicit drug trafficking through major U.S. airports.
What’s Next
CBP has indicated it will maintain heightened inspections of passenger luggage from regions where khat is cultivated and will continue collaborating with airline and airport partners to interdict future attempts. No specific future operations or deadlines were disclosed.
