Man Arrested For Allegedly Bringing Khat To St. Cloud

ST. CLOUD - A St. Cloud man has been arrested for allegedly selling the drug Khat.

Khat is a green leafy substance, commonly chewed, and produces amphetamine-like effects.

Investigators with the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force received information several months ago from members of the Somali Community that a couple was bringing large amounts of the drug to the St. Cloud area from Minneapolis, and providing it to the Somali community. Some of it was given to children as young as 12 years old.

Fifty-four-year old Ahmed Abade was arrested while carrying two cardboard boxes to an apartment at 1060 7th Avenue Southeast in St. Cloud. The Khat had an estimated street value of $3,000. He's expected to be charged with 5th degree controlled substance possession.

The woman allegedly involved is not expected to be charged.