POLICE MAKE RECORD HAUL OF DRUG KHAT

TORONTO -- The RCMP say they've intercepted a record-breaking amount --
nearly a tonne this month -- of the East African drug khat to keep it from
hitting the streets of Toronto.

And members of the city's Somali community applaud the seizures, saying
their countrymen can be refused landed status if they're nabbed with khat,
which was outlawed last May.

Sgt. Len Lanza said more than 777 kilograms, worth about $400,000, of the
stimulant was confiscated in 12 seizures at Pearson airport this month. The
Mounties seize about 400 kilograms monthly.

He said only one man was arrested for smuggling the drug while the
remainder was sent by cargo delivery.

"This is a record amount for one month," Lanza said. "Disposing of it is
now a problem for us."

Khat is a Kenyan-grown plant whose bark acts as a stimulant when chewed.
It's widely used by Somalis, Kenyans and other East Africans.

Police said the plant, which has a shelf-life of seven days, is grown in
Africa, shipped to England and then smuggled into Canada.

Checked-by: Richard Lake