Security Forces of Socotra Carry Out a Large-Scale Campaign to Combat Qat, Closing Down 18 Shops and Arresting 24 Vendors

SMA NEWS – SOCOTRA
The Joint Forces of the Security Services in Socotra Archipelago Governorate carried out a large-scale field campaign to combat the circulation and sale of the qat plant. The campaign was under the direct supervision of the Governorate Governor, Eng. Raafat Al-Thaqali, as part of ongoing efforts to protect Socotra society from this bad habit.

The Joint Forces confirmed that the campaign is in implementation of a decision by the Governorate’s Security Committee and aims to completely eradicate the circulation of qat in the archipelago, given its negative impact on public health and the social fabric, as well as its threat to the governorate’s unique environmental identity.

The campaign targeted several locations and shops suspected of promoting and selling qat. Eighteen shops proven to be involved in the sale of this plant were closed, and 24 violating vendors were arrested. The Security Committee confirmed that campaigns will continue at an escalating pace until this phenomenon is completely eradicated and social, health, and environmental stability is achieved in Socotra.

Governor Raafat Al-Thaqali issued a decision banning the import of qat into the governorate in response to widespread community demands. The decision aims to protect the archipelago’s residents from the health, economic, and social harms of qat and to ensure a safe and clean environment that contributes to community development and the preservation of the future of future generations.