Anger over introduction of khat ban

People in Harlesden have reacted angrily to the impending ban on khat, as Met Police officers started to explain their new policy.

For hundreds of years, the herbal stimulant has been chewed by members of the Somali, Yemeni and Ethiopian communities.

Coffee shop owners say the ban, due to come in next week, will directly affect their businesses.

Former khat user Abukar Awale said the drug contributed to domestic violence and other abuse, while Ch Insp Nick Davies said police would initially take a soft approach.