By Riffat Kausar
Snn News Finland
Rome Italian financial police seized 216 kilograms of khat, a plant-based stimulant, from an Israeli passenger arriving from Tel Aviv, authorities confirmed. The traveler has been reported to prosecutors on drug-related charges.
Seizure at Fiumicino Airport
The Guardia di Finanza, in coordination with Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency, intercepted the passenger at Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, Rome. Officers flagged him for a targeted check after he gave vague and contradictory answers about the purpose of his trip.
An X-ray scan and subsequent search of his seven checked suitcases revealed a large quantity of khat — a narcotic plant, scientifically known as Catha edulis, with stimulant effects similar to amphetamines.
Legal Status and Charges
Khat is classified as a controlled substance in Italy and across much of the European Union, where its import and sale are prohibited under strict narcotics regulations.
The passenger, whose identity has not been officially released, has been reported for drug trafficking-related offenses under Italian law.
Unverified Claims Circulating Online
Social media posts, including reports attributed to Israeli media, have claimed the man is seeking deportation back to Israel, and separately that Israel is pushing for his extradition. These claims have not been confirmed by Italian authorities or official Israeli government statements as of this report.
Bundles of khat, a stimulant plant seized by Italian customs at Rome airport
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