Ahmedabad: In a major move aimed at curbing substance abuse among youth, the Gujarat Home Department has imposed a statewide ban on the storage, sale, distribution and trafficking of rolling papers, smoking cones and similar products with immediate effect.

The decision has been taken under Sections 163(2) and 163(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, after the government took note of the increasing use of such items by youth for consuming intoxicating substances.

According to the official notification issued by the Home Department, products such as rolling papers, Gogo smoking cones and Perfect Rolls contain toxic substances including titanium oxide, potassium nitrate, artificial dyes, calcium carbonate and chlorine bleach, which are considered extremely harmful to human health.

With the ban now in force, all paan parlours, tea shops and retail grocery shops across the state have been directed to completely stop the sale of these items. The order applies throughout Gujarat and comes into effect immediately.

The notification further warns that any person found violating the ban will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. DeshGujarat