Somalis in Leicester say drugs ban on khat should be celebrated
An addictive plant chewed by members of Leicester’s Somali community became an illegal drug yesterday.
People who had campaigned for khat to be made illegal said yesterday – when it became a class C drug – was a “day of celebration”.
Critics of the drug, which is already illegal in most of Europe, as well as Canada and the United States, say it is addictive and can cause health problems.
Now, if taken to court for possession, users could be jailed for up to two years.
Those who sell khat could face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
Two Somali community groups who have campaigned for khat to be banned yesterday welcomed the change in the law
Jawaahir Dahir, of Somali Development Services, said: “We have campaigned against khat for many years and I have spoken to the Government in the past about the social impact this plant has.
“We welcome the change in the law but we can see that it is going to be difficult for some people to stop using khat because it is addictive.”
Abdi Nur, of the Somali Community Parents Association, said: “It is a day of celebration because we have been warning about the dangers of khat for a long time.
“Our concern has been that younger people and some women have started to use khat.”
Police told the Leicester Mercury last week they have encountered widespread support among Somalis for the ban.
Officers have spent the past few weeks explaining the change in the law to members of the community. That work will continue for the foreseeable future.
However, police will begin enforcing the law.
Inspector Ben Gillard, commander of Spinney Hill Park police station, said: “The criminalisation of Khat would be like banning smoking overnight.
“It is naturally going to affect people that have been using it for many years.”
Police are adopting a “graded” enforcement policy in relation to the drug.
That means those caught in possession of it for the first time will be warned they are committing a criminal act.
If caught for a second time they will be fined £60, while a third offence will result in prosecution and up to two years in jail if convicted.
Dr Andrew Ball, of Leicester Recovery Partnership, an NHS body which treats people with a range of addictions, said: “Individuals who regularly take khat can experience mental health problems, liver complications and discolouration of the teeth.
“Individuals attempting to reduce and stop Khat use can experience withdrawal effects such as low mood, depression, sleeplessness and nightmares.”
The partnership will be running sessions in local GP surgeries and community centres to help people overcome their addiction, Dr Ball said.
Contact Leicester Recovery Partnership on 01162256400.