Athens airport. Photo: Mihai Neacsu | Dreamstime.com
The authorities at Athens International Airport carried out the largest Khat capture in Greece, confiscating half a ton in this euphorizing substance, according to official information quoted by AFP.
This euphorizing plant is very popular in Yemen, as well as in the countries of the Africa horn, such as Ethiopia and Somalia.
The packages containing Khat's dry leaves were discovered during a random control carried out by the airport customs agencies.
According to the Greek press agency Ana (Athens News Agency), Khat was hidden in four goods containers presented as transporting curtains, sheets and fabrics, in transit from Israel to the United States.
The confiscated quantity is the largest amount of this substance ever discovered in the country, and its value has been estimated at 1.5 million euros.
The previous confiscation record dates from December 4, 2014, when 458 kg of Khat were discovered in the same airport.
The largest amount of Khat has ever seized in Europe – 3.2 tonnes, with an estimated value of 61 million euros – was intercepted in Spain in 2022.
Khat is a leaf that consumers chew slowly, holding it in the cheek. It releases chemicals similar to amphetamines, producing a light euphoric effect.
Photo: © Mihai Neacsu | Dreamstime.com
