PORTLAND – Last month’s conviction of a Portland man on federal drug charges in a case involving the popular African stimulant khat will stand, a federal judge has ruled.

In his ruling Thursday, U.S. District Judge D. Brock Hornby said that despite being troubled by elements of the case, federal court precedents require him to dismiss an acquittal motion.

Abdigani Hussein, a Somali refugee, is expected to be sentenced early in 2003. He could face as much as 20 years in prison, but typical sentences are closer to six months or less. Hussein is free on bail.

Hussein accepted a shipment of leaves of the plant, which is commonly chewed or brewed into tea by African immigrants. Hussein was the first person to face khat-related charges in Maine.

He was convicted by a jury on Oct. 9.