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world: 5 convicted in khat smuggling get short sentences

August 10, 2012 · 333273 Comments2012-08-10+20%3A30%3A24goth+Mohamed

10/8/2012

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Five men and women convicted of smuggling millions of dollars’ worth of the illegal African drug khat (COT) into the U.S. all received prison sentences of one year or less.

The sentences, ranging from four to 12 months, were significantly less than what was sought by prosecutors in a case that cost millions of dollars to pursue.

The five sentenced Friday in federal court in Alexandria were among 13 convicted earlier this year.

Authorities say it was one of the largest khat smuggling rings they ever disrupted. Khat is popular in Somalia and Yemen, the native countries of the defendants. Users chew the leaf to release stimulants that produce a mild high.

The defendants sought minimal jail sentences, saying they were casual users of a product common in their culture.

Source:AP

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By goth Mohamed

kaboon says:

considering qat is illegal in america and they chose to smuggle it they should have received the death penalty

5:52 pm on August 10, 2012

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T.J says:

Death penalty is the only thing that can stop this khat chewing animals. Too much khat makes people behave like total psychos. They spend day and night away from their own children and waste all the money on khat.

2:45 am on August 12, 2012

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- nish says:
  
  i agree with u TJ
  
  5:14 am on August 16, 2012
  
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