Pune: BJP MLA Siddharth Shirole has called for urgent action against the sale of smoking papers and related items in Pune, signaling a crackdown on potential drug use among the city’s youth. Shirole took to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, sharing his concerns after observing a significant increase in the sale of smoking paper across Khadki and surrounding areas.
“Recent reports indicate a sharp rise in the sale of smoking paper and related paraphernalia, especially in Khadki and nearby areas. This is not just a passing trend; it’s a warning sign of the escalating drug use among young people,” Shirole wrote.
The Shivajinagar MLA informed his followers that he had spoken directly with Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, urging immediate action against both physical and online vendors selling such items. “I have called for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement, targeting not just street vendors but also online platforms facilitating the sale of these substances across Pune. The Commissioner has assured me that the crackdown will begin today,” Shirole added.
Shirole emphasized the importance of stopping “gateway substances” before they lead to more severe addiction. “If we don’t intervene now, we could lose an entire generation to drugs. I urge anyone with credible information about such vendors or platforms to report them to me directly. Together, we can take a stand against this growing issue and safeguard our youth,” he concluded.
