Three Senegalese citizens were arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after being found with over 530 kilograms of khat, a plant with stimulant effects similar to amphetamines, concealed within their luggage. The khat, originating from Dakar, Senegal, has an estimated street value of $140,000 (85 million CFA francs). U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the drug hidden in plastic and aluminum foil during inspections of their baggage on August 19th and 20th. The seizure included 167 packages from the first two suspects and 93 packages from the third. Khat is legally consumed in some countries but is prohibited in the United States due to its cathinone content, a controlled substance. The three individuals are now facing federal charges related to drug trafficking and could receive lengthy prison sentences. This represents a significant disruption to transcontinental drug trafficking networks.