Ethiopia announces measures to curb illegal Khat trade

Mareeg - September 28, 2008

Editor's Note: Do you recall the story Gadaa.com ran earlier this week about the unwillingness of P.M. Meles Zenawi's government to deploy law enforcement forces to fight against the illegal use of khat in urban areas, especially among the youth and minors? It now looks like the government will deploy security forces to fight against the illegal "trade" of khat along its borders. They are only worried about the foreign currency income that is lost due to the illegal "trade", but not about the youth generation that is lost to khat addiction.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry issued a public notice stating the toughening of measures on illegal traders of Khat, a mild herbal stimulant, across towns and localities into Djibouti or Somalia.

The public notice signed by minister Girma Birru said no one is allowed to enter across border areas up to 50 kilometres into Djibouti or Somalia carrying Khat to sell. Read More.