Hargeisa- The government of Somaliland is struggling to stop contrabands of Khat which has been banned to curb COVID-19.

Khat, stimulant green leaves exported from Ethiopia, is widely chewed by most of Somaliland adult males and some women.

Khat goes through many hands as buyers check each bundle before deciding which to get. Therefore, the government views that Khat can facilitate spreading COVID-19. Additionally, Khat is chewed in crowded rooms filled with men high with the stimulant effects of the Khat.

However, preventing Khat to enter Somaliland is not an easy job as the demand is high and the border between Somaliland and Ethiopia is 800 kilometres long.

The addicts of the Khat include senior government officials such as ministers, police officers and soldiers.

The government filmed burning of Khat bundles captured by the police and convictions of exporters.

A video clip shows police officers and members of the public looting Khat in a burning site in Las Anod of Sool region.