Khat drug seized at Calgary airport

For the second time in a week, Alberta police have seized a large amount of khat, an illegal stimulant popular in Africa for producing a mild euphoria.

Border security staff atCalgary International Airport searched the luggage of a passenger on a flight from London on Wednesday and found 26 kilograms of khat in two suitcases.

"This is a drug that, although illegal in Canada and most western countries,is apparently legal in east African countries. And there it is fairly commonly used, historically and culturally,"RCMP Sgt. Patrick Webb saidFriday.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He remains in custody.

Khat can be chewed when fresh, or dried and made into a powder that can be smoked, or added to tea and food.

The two active ingredients in khat belong in the same class of chemicals as amphetamines,the RCMP said.

Lisa White, a spokeswoman for Canada Border Services Agency, said khat has been turning up more and more often in Alberta.

"Last week we seized just over 22 kilos of khat in Edmonton. Earlier this year in Edmonton, we announcedseveral significant seizures of the same drug," she said.

Webb said the escalating illicit trade in khat is "showing evidence of co-ordination and ...organized criminal involvement."