Pubdate: Mon, 07 May 2012
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2012 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://torontosun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Tom Godfrey

RCMP CLEAR KHAT ON TERROR

The RCMP say they've not found "hard evidence" to show that proceeds 
from the illegal trade of the East African drug khat is being used to 
fund terrorism.

Seven men were arrested in Britain last week for allegedly smuggling 
millions of dollars worth of khat to the U.S. and Canada, with the 
profits being funnelled to terror groups, police alleged.

Tonnes of the drug - a leafy plant - arrives at Pearson International 
Airport daily from Britain. RCMP officers have made dozens of arrests 
and seizures at Pearson.

"There is no hard evidence for us to link khat to terrorism," said 
Supt. Rick Penney, the RCMP's GTA drug enforcement commander. "There 
is an awful lot of it that we seize coming into the country."

He said khat, which has a shelf-life of several days, is smuggled by 
couriers in suitcases and boxes from Britain, where it is not illegal.

He estimated about 100 tonnes of khat is seized yearly at Pearson.

"Someone will always be making money in a scheme like this," Penney said.

"One can always pre-suppose where the money is going but there is no 
hard evidence."

Most of the khat is smuggled by couriers, who range from students to 
seniors, and are paid up to $3,000 by khat dons to bring a load here.

They risk being charged with importing a controlled substance. Most 
of those convicted are fined.

Police alleged the British suspects were raising funds for a number 
of al-Qaida cells, including Al-Shahab, whose members have been 
fighting for Islamic law in Somalia.

British cops claimed the suspects are part of a sophisticated network 
with links abroad that illegally exported khat to North America.

Khat is illegal in Canada but it remains popular among those from 
East African nations like Somalia and Kenya. Users chew the leaves to 
ingest a juice that contains an ingredient similar to amphetamine.

The drug has to be cleared from Pearson airport and transported to 
Toronto-area stores for resale in hours or it begins decaying, police said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom