Criminal10/16/2026

Krakow Court Releases Two Israeli Women on Bail in 100-Kilogram Khat Case

After three and a half months in custody, a Krakow court released on bail two Israeli citizens accused of transporting 100 kilograms of khat. Until the proceedings are concluded, they must report to a police station weekly and are not permitted to leave Poland.

Key facts

•Court: Krakow Court, Poland
•Arrest: June 19
•Pretrial detention: three and a half months
•Quantity: 100 kilograms of khat, 50 kilograms held by each woman
•Potential sentence: 3 to 23 years in prison
•Bail amount: Not stated

Arrest at the Airport

The two Israeli women, aged 23 and 24, were arrested on June 19 after arriving on a flight from Israel to Krakow. According to the source, 50 kilograms of khat were found in each woman's suitcase—a total of 100 kilograms of the plant.

Why They Were Released

Polish attorney Wit Steidler persuaded the court that the two young women should not remain in custody. The court replaced detention until the conclusion of the proceedings with bail and weekly police supervision. The bail amount was not stated in the source.

Legal Basis for the Charge

Khat is included on Poland's list of prohibited substances and is considered a narcotic. According to the defense attorney, under Polish law the seized amount is considered particularly large, and the alleged act is classified as a serious offense. If convicted, the defendants could face 3 to 23 years in prison.

The Proceedings Are Not Yet Over

Release on bail does not mean acquittal or that the case has been closed. The two Israeli women are required to remain in Poland until the judicial proceedings are concluded and to submit to regular police supervision. No final judgment was reported in the publication.

What this means for you

A substance that is not prohibited in one country may be classified as a narcotic in another, potentially resulting in prolonged pretrial detention and a prison sentence of many years. A foreign citizen released on bail may be required to remain in the country where the proceedings are taking place and report regularly to the police until they are concluded.

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