Dutch to ban import, use of narcotic qat leaves

[Little Tich]

Source: Reuters

Jan 10 (Reuters) - The Dutch government said on Tuesday it will ban qat, the narcotic plant used mostly by Ethiopian and Yemeni migrants, to curb its use and stop people re-exporting it to other European countries.

Amsterdam's Schiphol airport has become an import hub and clearing house for the green, leafy drug, which has a stimulating effect when chewed.

Last year more than 800 tonnes of qat were imported into the Netherlands, of which 80 percent was transported, mostly by car, to other European countries, including Germany, Denmark and Sweden, where it is banned, according to government estimates.

"Health Minister (Edith) Schippers will soon place qat on list II of the opium law. This will make possession and trade in qat illegal," said a joint statement from the Dutch interior affairs, security and justice and health ministries.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/10/dutch-qat-idUSL6E8CA2NM20120110

[Odin2005]

1. That's stupid, Khat isn't very dangerous.

[Richard D]

2. Sort of like

Banning coffee.

[dogknob]

3. Or something that would compete with coffee... n/t

[bemildred]

4. It's a filthy habit, like chewing tobacco, but this is stupid.

I can hear the allegations of cultural bias and whatnot already.