Law enforcement claims of khat, terrorism connection questioned

[TexasTowelie]

Eighteen months ago, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper making a routine traffic stop of two men driving on a highway northeast of Houston noticed both were chewing on a wad of green leaves. His subsequent search of the car launched a yearlong investigation involving local, state and national law enforcement agencies that has so far resulted in more than a half-dozen arrests in the Houston area.

In response, Muslim civil rights groups are questioning whether the Austin-based state agency has crossed a line by unfairly portraying the defendants as terrorists.

The oval-shaped leaves were khat, according to police reports, a plant grown and used primarily by residents of countries in or around the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. It is used there openly and socially, mostly chewed or made into tea.

Although the chemicals in the plant are illegal in the United States, drug officials said prosecutions here are uncommon. In reports and court filings, however, the DPS, which is leading the investigation, has suggested the current operation is of high importance because proceeds from khat sales have been linked to terrorist groups.

More at http://www.statesman.com/news/news/crime-law/law-enforcement-claims-of-khat-terrorism-connectio/nb72C/ (subscription required).

[hobbit709]

1. Next they'll claim betel is linked to terrorist groups.

[Nika]

2. Khat must be consumed fresh and this logistic is likely to make it a bad choice

to become a large sales item in the drug world in the U.S.

They say that those who chew it always stand around talking about all they are going to do in life and never do it. But that just shows this is more a drug problem then a terrorism threat. That part of the cultural equation of this substance is at best an exaggeration.

[Javaman]

3. Given the fact that one has to chew an enormous amount to even get a buzz...

Last edited Mon Dec 2, 2013, 01:00 PM - Edit history (1)

that alone makes khat a very low cash crop.

the entire article is so completely misleading.

the talk about some guy possessing 2 pounds of khat as if that's the equivalent of 2 pounds of pot.

they never once, in the article, explain the effects of khat nor the enormous quantity one needs to get high off of it.

2 pounds of khat is like having a couple of beers...if that.