‘I Would Shoot Drug Dealers in Stadiums’ – Romanian Presidential Candidate’s Statement after TikTok Live Overdose

Romanian presidential candidate Crin Antonescu has ignited controversy with a bold statement regarding drug dealers, declaring that if it were up to him, he would “shoot them in the stadium.”

This striking remark, made in response to a recent tragic event, underscores his call for a much stricter approach to combating drug trafficking and abuse in Romania.

Antonescu’s Strong Stance on Drug Trafficking

Supported by major political parties including PSD, PNL, and UDMR, Antonescu voiced his outrage after a 20-year-old man died from a methadone overdose during a live TikTok broadcast.

He clarified that his statement was figurative, meant to emphasise the severity with which drug traffickers should be punished. Antonescu explicitly rejected any intention to reinstate the death penalty, instead advocating for the creation of a robust American-style anti-drug agency with enhanced powers focused on prevention and enforcement. Additionally, he called for shutting down social media platforms like TikTok that enable dangerous live streams involving drug use.

Antonescu also announced plans to establish a presidential advisory task force to coordinate efforts among justice, internal affairs, health, and education sectors. The goal is to improve prevention strategies and provide real rehabilitation support for young addicts, moving away from stigmatisation.

The Tragic TikTok Live Overdose

The incident that prompted Antonescu’s statement involved Rareș Ion, a 20-year-old who died after consuming methadone during a TikTok live stream. The broadcast, watched by over 300 followers, showed Rareș in distress while another young man, Tudor Duma, known as “Maru,” encouraged him to take drugs. Despite viewers pleading with Maru to call emergency services, no immediate help was provided.

Maru, who has a criminal record including a conviction for drug trafficking and possession, was arrested by Romania’s Directorate for Investigating Organised Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT). He is under investigation for facilitating the use of illicit drugs and providing the premises where the overdose occurred. Authorities found multiple substances in the victim’s system, including benzodiazepines, tramadol, cannabinoids, and methadone. Prosecutors have requested a 30-day preventive arrest for Maru, and a judge approved the request.

Friends of Rareș revealed that Maru had previously encouraged him to consume opioids intravenously and was aware of his vulnerabilities. The case has reignited public debate on drug abuse among youth and the role social media plays in enabling such tragedies.

Also, Romanian mass media focus on the lack of action of the Romanian authorities, who knew the drug dealer’s drug trafficking occupation, but weren’t able to prevent the tragedy.

Broader Context and Political Implications

This tragic event and Antonescu’s response highlight the growing concern in Romania over drug trafficking, substance abuse, and the challenges posed by social media platforms in monitoring and preventing harmful behaviour. While controversial, Antonescu’s harsh rhetoric resonates with a public alarmed by drug-related deaths among young people.

His proposals for institutional reforms and coordinated anti-drug strategies represent a political effort to address these urgent issues ahead of the presidential elections. The situation highlights the intricate intersection of public health, law enforcement, and digital regulation in contemporary Romania.