(22 Jun 2014) LEADIN:
Members of London's Somali community have been protesting ahead of a ban on "khat" - a herbal stimulant.
It's being categorised as "Class C" in British law - meaning users can be fined or even sent to jail.
STORYLINE:
Buying before the ban.
Khat users are stocking up before the new laws come in this week.
The herbal stimulant, also known as cathonine, is used widely here in London's Somali community.
Khat is imported into the UK from the main growing regions of Kenya, Ethiopia and Yemen, according to a report from the UK's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.
The reports also says that up to 2,800 tonnes has been brought into the country each year.
The herb is popular in parts of the Middle East and African countries too.
Chewing khat is considered to be a social custom and dates back thousands of years.
It is already classified as a dangerous narcotic in the United States and, from this week, its use in Britain will be criminalised.
Officers from London's Metropolitan Police force are spending time in communities - to explain how the new laws will affect them.
The legislation is dividing opinion, some have reacted angrily to the move and are protesting against the legislation.
Superintendent Simon Rose says the police response will be based on a tiered-system of punishment.
"What would happen if you're found in possession of Khat on the first occasion you just get a warning," he explains.
"What would happen on the second occasion you get a penalty notice of 60 (British) pounds (100 US dollar) ticket and on a third occasion, you can potentially be arrested."
The maximum penalty a UK judge can impose for possession of Class C drugs is two years in prison.
Some users think the new laws are a step too far.
One London Khat supporter, who did not give his name, says khat doesn't lead to crime.
"We don't have any problem if we eat this herb. We don't fight, we don't do robbery, we don't fight for criminals or business. Just this, we enjoy it for our house," he says.
Another man, who is chewing the herb, claims it helps him to function.
"I don't work if I don't chew, I don't work at all," he says.
But Abukar Awale, an anti-khat campaigner and former user, says the new laws are a "massive victory" for London's Somali community.
"There will be some challenges. There will be some problems in the beginning and the government has to help those individuals who are coming, to get them training and jobs, and help them and support them to overcome the challenges," he says.
"But in the long run, this is a massive, massive victory for the community and I think people will benefit from it."
But some businesses - like coffee shop owners - say the ban will harm their businesses.
Others are adapting.
"The people before us, they used to sell drugs. We are making a coffee shop. Everyone can come together, they can play billiard and everything. It will come next week. Why not, it's a positive thing," says Ubah Nur, who is transforming a former khat cafe.
The nationwide wide will come into effect in the UK on Tuesday (24 June 2014).
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
