GUILTY PLEA IN KHAT CASE

A woman who imported khat into New Zealand on her way home from a trip
to Ethiopia has pleaded guilty to bringing the unusual drug into the
country.

The woman, whose name was suppressed, 24, unemployed of Newtown,
pleaded guilty to importing and possession of the drug for supply.
Khat is a class C drug, like cannabis. It is usually found as a leaf,
is chewed and has a mildly narcotic effect.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graeme Burr said on November 5 last year
the woman came through Auckland International Airport. A random search
turned up 173.9 grams of Khat packed in a plastic bag in her luggage.

She told Customs officials she was returning to New Zealand after
visiting relatives in Ethiopia and planned to give it to her husband
and a family friend. She said she did not know it was illegal and it
was part of her culture.

Wellington District Court judge Charles Blackie yesterday remanded her
on bail till June 9 for sentencing. He suppressed her name but warned
that would not automatically be the case at her next appearance.