Yemen's Socotra island burns 2 tonnes of Qat

Authorities in Socotra Island in Yemen have burnt two tonnes of Qat, a mild narcotic drug popular in the country, and banned its use after a shipment was seized from smugglers. They were trying to defy last week’s ban by the governor of the island, who says the drug is now prohibited due to the health risks and financial consequences of its use. The national pastime has survived the last few years of turmoil in Yemen, including the war involving air and ground forces from the Saudi-led Arab coalition. Yemenis tend to chew Qat in the afternoon, with sessions lasting all evening producing hallucinogenic effects. Its use is seen by some as socially unacceptable because it reduces productivity and weakens finances.