It is distressing to note that the paan and gutka kiosks are mushrooming at a rapid pace in the State, especially in South Goa to cater to the needs of migrant labourers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.
It is a well-known fact that these are the triggers of oral cancer. Besides, it is illegal to sell such stuff in the State.
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These are more addictive and harmful than conventional drugs which Goa is awash with already. Also many such kiosks double up as pick up points for MDMA, Crystal Meth and Marijuana brought in from other parts of India.
I request the removal of all such kiosks if we have to tackle the gutka/drug menace in our sunshine State. The police should play a proactive role in arresting such peddlers and their suppliers.
Many Goan youth have taken up chewing paan/gutka and hanging out at such “addas’ of vice which is worrisome and must be checked forthwith. Also strict checking of passengers should be carried out at Margao Railway Station, the preferred port of entry for gutka so that the problem is nipped in the bud.
