A 22-year-old Israeli national was stopped on Monday at Rome Fiumicino Airport after authorities uncovered 216 kilograms of the khat plant concealed inside seven suitcases belonging to him.

Although khat carries no dangerous-drug classification in Yemen or Israel, Italian law treats possession and transport of the substance as serious narcotics violations, aligning with rules in most global jurisdictions.

The discovery resulted from coordinated work by the Guardia di Finanza finance police and the Customs and Monopolies Agency at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport.

Officers grew suspicious during passport control because the traveler offered unclear and inconsistent statements about his reasons for visiting Italy and his intended accommodation. He was therefore directed to secondary screening that involved X-ray scans and physical inspection of the bags.

Inspectors located numerous bundles of fresh khat leaves and stems filling the seven suitcases, totaling 216 kilograms. All material has been secured for the ongoing inquiry.

The man was not taken into custody after initial questioning but was released. Prosecutors in Civitavecchia have nevertheless opened a criminal file charging him with drug possession and trafficking under Italian narcotics statutes.

Khat faces bans throughout Europe while remaining lawful inside Israel

Khat is a stimulant shrub originating in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its sale and consumption are allowed in Israel, yet Italy and many European Union members list it as a controlled substance, rendering commercial importation a criminal act.

Black-market estimates place the potential value of the seized shipment at several tens of thousands of euros, with price heavily dependent on freshness because the plant rapidly loses potency.

This incident joins earlier episodes in which Israeli citizens encountered legal difficulties in European destinations after attempting to bring khat, a product permitted at home but prohibited abroad.