Calls for ban on natural stimulant

Leicestershire police say they are monitoring the use of khat

Leicester's Somali community is divided over calls for an immediate ban on a natural stimulant used extensively in Africa.

Although illegal in Europe and the United States, khat is legal in the UK, where more and more people are using it.

It is estimated that 10% of the 10,000 Somalis living in Leicester take khat on a regular basis, with usage on the rise amongst the young.

Many opponents say it is dangerous, but others claim it has health benefits.

'Amphetamine effect'

Hashim Duale, of the Eastern Leicester Primary Care Trust, wants the government to ban khat.

He said: "The person takes the stem of the leaf and they chew it, sucking the juice out without swallowing.

"It has an amphetamine effect - it makes people more alert and talkative, they can stay awake without feeling tired."

One of Leicester's Somali elders Abdurahman Samatar said: "We need a total ban on khat - simply because a lot of Somali young people are dropping out from school because of it.

'Health benefits'

"It's also an acute and chronic problem for the community simply because a lot of elderly people are either spending a lot of money on it or suffering depression after using it."

Most of the khat coming into the UK is imported from Nairobi, with a fresh batch arriving from the Kenyan capital every day.

Supporters claim the stimulant also helps people with diabetes and asthma.

Issak Abdi, a Somali community advice worker, said: "Khat is not much worse than alcoholic beverages like whiskey or vodka.

"It is the underlying social problems related to it that I want to address - like isolation, and economic deprivation."

Leicestershire police say they are monitoring the use of khat.