Puntland police ordered to stop chewing Khat while on duty

The police force of Semi-Autonomous regional state of Puntland has banned its officers from drugging themselves with a popular local stimulant while

on duty, newly appointed Puntland police commissioner Abdirisack Mohamed Yussuf announced Monday.

Speaking at a well organized handing ceremony in Garowe, the new commissioner has sent stern warning to the officers who are chewing while on duty that they would be fired.

“Chewing khat while on duty makes people see you as an irresponsible person” he said.

“The ban of the stimulant drug will improve the image and performance of the law and order maintaining agency” he added.

Abdirahman said officers may no longer chew Khat – also known as miraa – a herb popular in the Horn of Africa, Kenya and the Arabian Peninsula that men chew for hours while they gossip, debate or listen to music.

It is not known how many police officers use the stimulant, but it is believed to be popular in the police force and the army whole Somalia.

Somali police officers in Baidoa have been told to stop chewing khat while on duty to maintain law and order.

On 18th May this year, Somali police were ordered to stop chewing the drug Khat while on duty by Somali police chief Mohamed Hassan Haamud.