Why is Khat illegal in the States?
There are two substances in Khat which are classified as controlled substances in the US – these are Cathinone and Cathine. Bringing Khat into America carries the same sentencing as bringing in cocaine or heroin. Khat leaves lose their potency after 48 hours, so for the smugglers it has become a race against time. The plants are shipped out within hours of arriving in the UK. Drugs ‘mules’ are drafted in to satisfy the weekend rush. Most couriers travel to the US on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to satisfy higher weekend demand. Over 20 Britons have been arrested in the US since the beginning of the year for trafficking Khat. Attorney Elizabeth Pruser says, “These people are not criminals; they are just kids trying to make a bit of money who are naïve. “When I first meet them they are stunned and very scared. They don’t even know who they are supposed to be bringing the drug to.
