An Israeli citizen was arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle 216 kilograms of khat into Italy, where the plant is classified as an illegal narcotic, authorities announced following the seizure at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport.

Italian customs officials discovered the shipment hidden inside seven suitcases checked by the passenger, who had arrived on a flight from Israel. In total, authorities confiscated 216 kilograms of khat concealed among the traveler’s luggage.

According to Italian authorities, the passenger was selected for a targeted inspection after giving vague and contradictory answers regarding the purpose of his trip and the details of his planned stay in Italy.

Following a thorough search of the luggage, customs officers uncovered the large quantity of khat, leading to the passenger’s arrest.

Italy’s Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM) said the traveler, who was listed as the sole owner of the luggage containing the leaves, “was reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for violating drug laws. The operation is part of ongoing efforts by police and the Customs and Monopolies Agency to combat transnational illegal trafficking at Italy’s airports and ports.”

The case is the latest in a series of similar incidents involving Israelis attempting to transport khat into European countries, where the substance is prohibited.

In June 2026, customs officials in Warsaw and Krakow arrested two young women after allegedly attempting to smuggle approximately 100 kilograms of khat into Poland through Krakow Airport.

A similar case occurred in December 2025, when two young chareidi women from central Israel, both in their twenties, were arrested at Prague’s international airport after authorities allegedly discovered 96 kilograms of khat in their luggage—48 kilograms packed into each suitcase.

Although khat is widely sold and consumed in countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen, it is subject to strict restrictions throughout the European Union, where its importation, sale, and possession are prohibited under drug laws.

{Matzav.com}