(FOX40.COM) — Nearly 140 pounds of a plant that can be chewed for amphetamine-like effects were seized during shipment from Ethiopia to Sacramento, officials announced.

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On June 4, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Washington Dulles International Airport seized about 139 pounds of khat, which has a street value of $17,000, the agency announced.

The khat, also known as catha edulis, was discovered in 10 boxes among a shipment of 102 boxes listed as a variety of spices. CBP officers submitted samples to a Department of Agriculture botanist, who confirmed that the plant material was khat, the agency said.

Khat contains the central nervous system stimulant cathinone and is chewed for its amphetamine-like effects. Cathinone is structurally similar to dextroamphetamine, which is commonly used to treat ADHD, and is classified as a Schedule 1 drug.

The World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse in 1980. Symptoms of khat toxicity include “delusions, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and increased blood pressure and heart rate,” agency officials said.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Also known as Abyssinian tea and African salad, khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The drug can also be boiled to create a stimulant tea.

Customs and Border Protection seized about 46,000 pounds of khat last fiscal year and has seized about 10,000 pounds during the first seven months of this fiscal year, the agency said.

It’s one of the most seized drugs by weight, behind marijuana, meth, and cocaine, respectively.

About 1,600 pounds of “dangerous drugs” are seized every day, the agency said.

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