Qat - the Doors of Perception are opening

I first researched qat in the UK in 2001 and blogged about it July 30th after the 28/7 “bombings” undertaken by Somalis (allegedly), and then again on November 22nd when it was evident that PC Plod and the daily Telegraph was beginning to make a connection. (pic qat smugglers on train from Addis to Djibouti)

Tonight Channel 4 More had an item fronted by Ethiopian, Ismail Latif in which some Somalis have been asking for a ban on use of qat in the UK (it is illegal in US and most of Europe). Of great interest was the nightly arrival at Heathrow Terminal 4 from (it was said Ethiopia – but I suspect Kenya) of large quantities – 7 tons a week was stated – the same when I first wrote about it in 2001.

Due to the rapid degeneration of the active psycho – stimulants the goods are snapped up by car drivers from as far afield as Manchester and Birmingham.

It was stated that each bunch of twigs would retail @ £3 (say US$4.50). This seems from personal reference to be the London street price, but more the further from London you get.

The Home Office refused to appear but stated that they were “examining the use of qat” and would be making a decision by the end of the year.

It will be no surprise if a connection between this trade and the 28/7 spurious “bombings” in London becomes more apparent as the defendents arrive in court…. There is also a hazy connection through Luton and local low level criminal gangs and one of the 7/7 bombers, which the above links will take you to.

Recent blogs on same topic here


Yemeni qat session (note bulging cheeks and water bottles) taken from http://denisdouveneau.blogspot.com/ for which thanks.