Somaliland police have on Sunday impounded a vehicle ferrying contraband Khat at Baligubadle border post. The government of Somaliland is enforcing the introduction of Khat ban during the holy month of Ramadan. This was announced by the Committee in charge against Covid-19 preparedness and response chaired by Somaliland’s Deputy President, Adirahman Sayli’i in a bid to contain the spread of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic in the country. The Khat ban in Somaliland takes effect today on the 26th April, 2020 and the ban will remain in place for 25 days. The Land Cruiser brand vehicle whereby three people were on board was ferrying a consignment of Khat that was brought into Somaliland from Ethiopia despite a ban that was in place over fears of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic. Hawd provincial governor, Yasin Shide, has confirmed the interception of the vehicle belong to FF Khat transporting company. Mr. Yasin, Hawd regional governor made consultations with Somaliland interior minister, Mohamed Kahin. They agreed that the car along with the people on board to hand over the the National Committee against the preparedness and response of Covid-19. The Committee earlier announced that vehicles impounded ferrying contraband khat will be confiscated and the Khat will be burnt. The smugglers will appear before the courts.
