Two held in Kolkata for smuggling African drugs

Two people were arrested at the city airport Tuesday for trying to smuggle drugs made from an African plant valued at over Rs.1 crore, a customs official said.

Assistant Commissioner (Customs) R.S. Meena said the accused - both Indians - were scheduled to board a flight to China.

They were arrested after stems and leaves of the Khat plant - a contraband stimulant - were found in their possession.

The plant, native to east Africa, is used to make a stimulant drug called Khat or Miraa.

The drugs are valued at around Rs.1.1 crore, he said.