Italy authorities detain Israeli for possessing 216 kg of khat drug in luggage

A 22-year-old Israeli citizen was detained at Rome's Fiumicino Airport after 216 kilograms of khat were found in seven suitcases. The individual, who arrived from Tel Aviv, aroused suspicion at passport control due to "vague and contradictory answers." Italian authorities, including the Guardia di Finanza and the Customs and Monopolies Agency, discovered large packages of fresh khat leaves and stalks during an inspection. While khat is legal in Israel, it is classified as an illegal drug in Italy and most European countries, making its possession and trafficking a criminal offense. The man was released after initial questioning, but a criminal case has been opened against him, with the seized khat held as evidence. The estimated value of the seized quantity on the European black market could reach tens of thousands of euros.