Largest khat bust in Fairfax County

Mason District Police officers busted a couple of local residents Saturday evening for possession and distribution of the amphetamine khat, a Schedule 1 drug derived from flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

According to the police department, an officer on patrol observed what appeared to be a drug transaction in a parking lot at 5981 Columbia Pike in the Falls Church area. Two men were arrested, and approximately 21 pounds of khat were as seized. Police then searched one of the suspect’s homes and seized another 111 pounds of khat.

This is believed to be the largest seizure of khat in Fairfax County history. Khat users typically chew it like tobacco. It can also be smoked and sprinkled on food.

Ahmed Omer Abdujelel, 45, of 2846 Annandale Road #121 was charged with distribution, and Ali Abdi Hersi, 47, of 30 Channing Street, NW, in Washington, D.C., was charged with possession of a Schedule I drug. Anyone with information about his incidence should contact Crime Solvers.