Khat ban ‘backed by Somali community’

Police say they have encountered widespread support among Somalis for a ban on use of a plant stimulant.

Officers are running an awareness campaign to spell out the consequences of buying or selling khat, which become criminal acts next week.

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.

It will become a class C drug under UK law on Tuesday.

After Tuesday, users could be fined up to £60, while those who sell khat could face up to 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Inspector Ben Gillard, commander of Spinney Hill Park police station, in Leicester, said: “We are concentrating our efforts on informing people what the change in the law means.

“We are explaining what support is available for users from the various health services.

“For small businesses which sell khat, we are telling them about services which will be able to help them change their business models.

“Our experience is the Somali community is very much in favour of the ban and is aware of what is happening but we will continue to work with it to ensure everyone knows the legal position of khat.”

Somali-born health adviser Abdikayf Farah has said the drug had a “huge social and health impact” and was a particular problem in St Matthew’s, Leicester.

He said: “People can get addicted to khat. It can cause mental issues such as paranoia, anxiety and depression.

“It’s not harmless – it makes people lazy and they can lose their job. People who use khat often stop looking after themselves and can become violent. It breaks up families.”

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Banning khat will help protect vulnerable members of our communities and send a clear message to an international audience that the UK is a hostile place for traffickers.”

leicestermercury.co.uk