SOMERSET NEWS: Khat becomes an officially BANNED substance

PEOPLE are being advised that leaf-chewing khat becomes a banned substance from tomorrow (Tuesday, June 24, 2014) and anyone found in possession of it could face up to two years in prison.

Khat has been commonly used substance particularly within the Somali community in Bristol over the last 15 years. It is a mild stimulant, but prolonged use can cause liver disease.

From midnight tonight, khat becomes a Class C drug which means anyone found in possession faces up to two years in prison and an unlimited fine - and for anyone producing or supplying it the maximum sentence is 14 years.

Ahead of the ban, police have formed a partnership with the Somali Forum, Safer Bristol and Public Health England.

PHOTO - TOP: The leaf-chewing khat.

A police spokesman told the Yeovil Press: “Over the past year we have sought to update the community on the proposed ban and developed an action plan to address the problems associated with excessive khat use.

“We’ll be policing khat as we would any other controlled drug and over the first few weeks we will be prioritising education about khat use and the services available for regular users.”

Avon and Somerset Police’s drug strategy lead officer, Paul Bunt, added: “Within Avon and Somerset we police drugs according to the harm they cause our communities.

“Over the last 12 months our consultation with the Somali community has highlighted the harms associated with the long-term use of khat.

“We’ll help to reduce those harms by working with our partners and the community.”

Khat, the fresh young leaves of the Catha edulis shrub, have been consumed primarily in East Africa and the Arabian peninsula.

It is normally chewed like tobacco. The fresh leaves, twigs and shoots of the khat shrub are chewed and then retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently to release the active drug – cathinone and cathine.

Khat can also be smoked and even sprinkled on food.

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