U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have seized more than 4,000 pounds of khat at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport since the beginning of the year. The khat, which will be destroyed, has an estimated street value of approximately $500,000.
Khat is a plant that contains two central nervous system stimulants that are controlled substances under federal law. Cathine is a Schedule IV controlled substance, and cathinone is a Schedule I controlled substance. Cathinone can pose serious health risks, and symptoms of khat toxicity include delusions, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Khat is also known as Abyssinian tea or African salad.
Officers have intercepted khat in cargo shipments originating from the Netherlands, India, and Nigeria and in the suitcases of two U.S. citizens arriving from Paris.
“The seizure of more than 4,000 pounds of khat this year reflects the seriousness of this threat and the unwavering commitment of our officers to enforce federal law, disrupt illicit drug movement, and protect the American public from dangerous controlled substances,” Pedro Ortiz, CBP Protection Atlanta acting port director, said.
Between Oct. 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, BP officers seized nearly 19,000 pounds of khat nationwide and approximately 46,000 pounds of khat last fiscal year.