106 killed in RAB’s anti-narcotic drives so far: Home minister

Home minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Wednesday said 106 drug traders have so far been killed in anti-narcotics drives conducted by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). 

He divulged the information while speaking at a programme at the RAB-7 headquarters in Chattogram’s Patenga, reports news agency UNB.

The minister said RAB and police have proved their efficiency in eliminating drugs and militancy from the country. "The smuggling and use of drugs have come down following their continuous drives."

Following the prime minister's instruction to take zero tolerance against drugs, RAB continues its drives against drug items and drug trading, he said.

Asaduzzaman also said once the Sundarbans was the safe haven of pirates and forest robbers. "No tourist or local fisherman dared to enter the forest. But the Sundarbans has now been free from forest robbers following RAB's efforts."

Describing Cox's Bazar as the main route of yaba smuggling to the country, he said drug smuggling has been reduced following vigilance of law enforcement agencies, including RAB, police and Border Guard Bangladesh.

At the event, illegal drugs, including 370 litres of cocaine, were destroyed in the presence of the minister and a magistrate.