Law enforcement claims of khat, terrorism connection questioned

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).