POLICE in the borough will be supporting the community when new laws ban the ‘khat’ drug.

A ban on the plant drug, which is a stimulant when chewed, was announced by the home secretary Theresa May on July 3 and will be introduced later this year.

Community members, particularly in the local Somalian and other east African communities where it is commonly used, expressed concern about the ban prompting the police to offer reassurance.

National policing lead on drugs, Chief Constable Andy Bliss, said: “Chief officers will play a key role in communicating this change in the law and setting appropriate enforcement policies in those local communities where khat use is prevalent.

“As with other forms of drug misuse, the police response will be proportionate. Activity is likely to be enhanced where there is also intelligence about associated crime or anti-social behaviour.

“There may be a case for police action to follow similar lines to the approach used for cannabis possession offences, where a first offence by an adult generally attracts a warning and a second the issuing of a penalty notice before escalating to arrest and prosecution.”

Mr Bliss said police will explore this possibility with the Home Office and the College of Policing.