Three arrested at O'Hare for smuggling 1,100 pounds of khat

Three Senegalese nationals have been arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport following the seizure of over 530 kilograms (approximately 1,172 pounds) of khat, a stimulant plant. The substance was discovered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents during a secondary inspection of baggage arriving on flights from Dakar, Senegal.

Prosecutors allege the khat was concealed within 12 large suitcases and backpacks, wrapped in pink plastic and aluminum foil to hide the contents. The estimated value of the shipment is more than $140,000. While khat is consumed traditionally in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, its active ingredient, cathinone, is classified as a controlled substance in the United States.

Two of the men, Mustapha Fisuru, 24, and Tiekoro Diawara, 25, face charges including controlled substance trafficking and manufacture-delivery of a controlled substance. According to court filings, Diawara claimed he was recruited for the trip under the impression he was transporting ‘Miranga’ tea in exchange for $1,000.