Customs Officials Report Rise in Khat Seizures at Baltimore Airports
Customs officers in Baltimore are reporting an increase in the seizure of khat at area airports.
Baltimore, MD, August 20, 2026 —
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers stationed at Baltimore area airports have observed a notable increase in the seizure of khat, a plant chewed as a stimulant in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Officials have not provided specific figures on the quantity or frequency of these seizures, nor have they detailed the specific airports where the increased activity has been noted. The reasons behind this trend in seizures were not immediately available.
Khat is a controlled substance in the United States. Its importation and possession are subject to federal laws and regulations. CBP is responsible for enforcing these laws at U.S. ports of entry, including airports.
The agency’s primary mission involves protecting the nation from illegal narcotics, weapons, and other contraband. Seizures of khat are part of this ongoing effort to secure the borders and prevent illicit substances from entering the country.
Further details regarding the specific circumstances of the increased seizures, including the origin of the intercepted shipments or any resulting enforcement actions, were not disclosed by CBP officials.
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