Police In Somalia Banned From Chewing Miraa While On Duty

image source: msetonews.com

The Somali Police Force (SPF) on Monday banned its officers from chewing miraa while they are on duty, reports.

According to Somalia's police chief, Mohamed Hassan Haamud, chewing miraa while at work makes officers be seen as irresponsible. Haamud further added that any officer caught chewing miraa while on duty would face a military court.

"Miraa can cause hyperactive behaviour similar to the effects of amphetamines," Abdirisak Omar, a medical doctor, said.

Despite its harmless reputation, miraa is known to create serious health problems such as increased heart rates, blood pressure, depression, irritability, nightmares, liver damage and reduced sex drive, Omar added.