DRUG CRACKDOWN'S LATEST TARGET: KHAT

Re: "Muslims' social drug bringing U.S. arrests," Sept. 20 news story.

As a former resident of Kenya, I was appalled at the article about the
crackdown on immigrants over the social use of khat. When I lived in
Kenya, I knew many men who chewed khat regularly. I never saw any
indication of the serious side effects mentioned in a graphic
accompanying your article. The most common side effect I noticed was
talkativeness. The men who spent the evening in the bar drinking were
a greater danger to themselves, their families and their communities.

This drug is not equivalent to heroin. It is chewed, not injected. It
is probably more like a strong cup of espresso.

Michele Becker, Lakewood