Khat user accuses NYC cops of illegal cavity search of his mouth: police union
A Khat user in Brooklyn has accused NYC police of conducting an illegal cavity search after being stopped for possessing the drug. The police union disputes the characterization of the search, stating that asking someone to open their mouth does not constitute a body cavity search. The Civilian Complaint Review Board is investigating the incident, which has sparked a conflict between the police union and the oversight agency.
- ▪The driver was pulled over in October and found with khat, a plant known for its euphoric effects.
- ▪The police union argues that asking a suspect to open their mouth is not a body cavity search.
- ▪The CCRB has previously substantiated allegations of improper oral searches and is investigating this case.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Metro exclusive Khat user accuses NYC cops of illegal cavity search of his mouth: police union By Tina Moore Published May 23, 2026, 12:08 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google Khat fight! The city’s largest police union is battling an NYPD watchdog group over what constitutes a body cavity search after cops found a man with African drug khat, which can stain a user’s mouth — and ordered him to open up for inspection. Cops pulled over the 28-year-old driver on McDonald Avenue in Midwood, Brooklyn in October and saw khat, or Bushman’s tea in his car, police sources said. 4 Khat leaves are sold in Kenya and known for leaving users feeling euphoric.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at New York Post.
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