Rs 8 crore drug bust: How a global syndicate used students and ‘tea’ parcels to flood Bengaluru with khat

The Bureau said the syndicate sent over 550 parcels weighing approximately 2,100 kg to North America, Europe, the Gulf countries, and the Middle East. Further investigation revealed that the syndicate was using the international postal and courier system to import bulk consignments of khat, camouflaged as routine commercial items such as tea.

The network operated through multiple layers, using storage and distribution points within Bengaluru to break the bulk and distribute smaller quantities.

According to NCB officials, the syndicate comprised predominantly foreign nationals, assisted by local facilitators, with several members residing in India under the guise of students and those on medical visas.

Officials said they are sharing information on the in-transit parcels with agencies in respective countries for action at their end.

What is khat?

Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering evergreen shrub native to the Horn of Africa and Arabian Peninsula, and has psychoactive properties.

The plant, which grows 1-5 meters tall, produces glossy dark green leaves with serrated edges measuring 5-10 centimetre long. These leaves contain stimulant compounds cathinone and cathine, which produce effects similar to amphetamines when chewed.

The active compounds in khat, cathinone and cathine, are listed as controlled substances, making it a banned drug in the country.