Drug Usage Among East African and Middle Eastern Immigrants: The Khat is Out of the Bag

• NCJ Number: 212482
• Journal: Journal of Gang Research Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 2005 Pages: 33-40
• Author(s): Lt. Gregg W. Etter, Sr. Ed.D.; Mohamed A. Ali
• Date Published: 2005
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article explores the production and usage of the drug, Khat by East African and Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States.

Abstract

Khat is an old drug that is finding a new home in the United States and Canada. Among many immigrants from Eastern Africa and the Middle East, the usage of the drug Khat is a cultural phenomenon. However, Khat is a controlled drug in the United States which can cause a conflict with the American legal system. In addition, the use of Khat is associated with violent behavior by users. This article describes Khat, as well as examines the trafficking of the drug, the effects of its usage, the spreading immigrant population, and the implications for national security and officer safety in the production, distribution, and use of Khat in the United States and Canada. Bibliography