A bundle of khat (qat) sits on a counter next to a leaflet giving information about how the stimulant plant is soon to be made illegal and classified as a Class C drug in Harlesden, north west London, on June 20, 2014. Police officers distributed leaflets and answered questions from members of the community in north London explaining the classification of 'khat' as a Class C drug. Khat, also called miraa, has been chewed for centuries in the Horn of Africa. Its psychoactive ingredients, cathinone and cathine, are similar to amphetamines but weaker, and can help chewers stay awake and talkative. When the ban on khat comes into force in Britain on June 24 there are fears not only that those involved in its export and sale will lose their livelihoods but also fears regarding the effect on the Somali community without the leaf that fuels its social life. AFP PHOTO / JUSTIN TALLIS (Photo credit should read JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
Getty Images

AFP JUSTIN TALLIS