Khat smuggling to US from UK– Is it worth the risk?

Khat, Qat or Qaad is the latest drug to hit the United States and Britain. This leafy narcotic is not illegal in the United Kingdom but is banned in Europe, Canada and USA. Off late, large number of young British men, especially from a place called Deal in Kent is risking jail for smuggling Khat to United States.

Khat in the United Kingdom

Though United Kingdom and the United States have very similar culture and history, but the Qat issue is the only thing that has made these countries part their ways. According to media reports of 2005, many immigrant families in UK had requested the government to ban the leafy drug in the country. The minister responsible for drugs in response appointed an Advisory Council to find out the harmful effects of the drug. According to the council, Khat is not subject to control under the Misuse of Drug Act of 1971. Since then, Qat trading has become quite widespread. It is the most common used vegetables by people of many races. This drug is sold in public places like Marfresh where people socialize and chew Khat for hours.

According to UK government, nearly five to seven tons of Qat arrive everyday in UK on a daily basis from countries like Ethiopia, Yemen and Kenya. From here, it is believed to reach US markets illegally where the profit is bigger. Every year, more than 20 Britons are arrested in the US for trafficking Qat.

Khat in USA

Khat in the United States is illegal and bringing Qaad in the country carries the same punishment as bringing heroine or cocaine. There are two substances in the leaves: Cathinone and Cathine, which are controlled substances in the country. In the United States, the substance has been illegal under Federal Law since 1993.

In the last few years, San Diego in US, which has a huge Somali population, has seen a big increase in Qaad seizures. The amount of Qat entry at the ports of the country has increased from 14 metric tons to 55 in the last few years. The increased immigration from countries like Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen has once again increased the demand of Qat in the country.

Imprisonment for Khat smuggling in USA can be from six years to life imprisonment. On the basis of the amount of risk involved, getting out of punishment is costlier than smuggling Khat in the country. Many British families had to spend some $5,000 to get family members out of USA. This firmly proves that undertaking such huge risk is not worth the smuggling of the substance.

Bad effects of Khat

A World Health Organization report has expressed concern over the use of Khat because too much consumption of Khat can lead to increased blood pressure, anorexia, general malaise, insomnia and constipation.

khat can also be an addiction and lead to social and psychological problems…so…be careful