Chinese media has been reporting recently about the introduction of a new drug to the Chinese market. In the past year, the drug ‘Khat’, otherwise known as ‘Arabian Tea‘, has become increasingly present on the underground drugs scene.

The leaf is native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and can be chewed directly or dried and crushed into powder and drunk as a tea. The drug is a stimulant and produces effects similar to amphetamines, but not as powerful. The plant has been classified as a Class II narcotic by the World Health Organization.

Despite its banned use in much of the Western world, chewing khat is a centuries old tradition in the Horn of Africa and some Middle Eastern countries. 

In the current market, fresh Khat can be sold for 500 RMB per 500g, with dried going for around 200RMB per 500g. The low price and relatively low profile has made it a new favorite among drug users in China. China officially categorized it as a psychotropic drug on January 1 this year.

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Keywords: New Drug ‘Khat’ Gaining Popularity in Mainland