Tanzania, July 19 -- Dar es Salaam. While various measures continue to be implemented to curb the consumption of illicit drugs like khat, it has emerged that the substance is now being consumed openly in entertainment venues, raising concerns over rising addiction, mental health crises, and cardiovascular diseases in the community.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the chemical cathinone found in khat shares characteristics with amphetamine-type stimulants, meaning its consumption can cause severe adverse health effects on users.

An investigation by The Citizen's sister newspaper, Mwananchi, has revealed that, despite the use of khat being legally prohibited, some users consume the drug at entertainment spots, claiming t...