Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has stated that the Arakan Army has become involved in yaba smuggling and that the drug is entering Bangladesh through them.
Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “The Arakan Army has become involved in yaba smuggling. Some unscrupulous individuals in our country are bringing yaba from them and introducing it into Bangladesh, which is a major threat to the country.”
This information was at a press conference held in Cox’s Bazar on Monday.
Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed said, “Rohingyas are involved in smuggling yaba across the border. They change locations very quickly, making it difficult to catch them.”
He added, “Drug smuggling in coastal areas is now the biggest challenge. Due to strict surveillance on the Ukhiya-Teknaf border, smugglers are now using sea routes more frequently.”
“We estimate that nearly 80% of drugs are entering Bangladesh via the coasts of Maheshkhali, Banshkhali, Kutubdia, Anwara, and Kuakata. These routes are not only used for smuggling drugs into the country but also to other countries, which is a severe threat to the young generation and the economy,” he noted.
Mohiuddin informed that the BGB, Navy, and Coast Guard are working in coordination to prevent smuggling via the deep sea routes.
Citing the Naikhongchari border as risky, he said, “Surveillance in that area is very challenging due to difficult terrain and weak communication systems.”
Regarding fishermen being held by the Arakan Army, he said, “104 Bangladeshi fishermen are currently being held captive by the Arakan Army.” Previously, a total of 228 people were detained, of whom 124 have been repatriated. This included 95 Bangladeshis and 133 Rohingyas.
He said, “Although the Arakan Army is not an official force, we have communication with them as neighbours across the border. It is because of this communication that many fishermen have been repatriated. The remaining fishermen will also be returned after completing due process.”
Colonel Mohiuddin stated that fishermen are detained only when they mistakenly or intentionally enter Myanmar’s waters. However, he clarified, “The Arakan Army has never entered Bangladeshi waters to detain fishermen. We repeatedly warn our fishermen not to cross maritime boundaries.”
During the briefing, he also informed that since July 15, the BGB has seized approximately 2.8 million yaba pills from the Cox’s Bazar border and parts of Bandarban. During this period, 22 firearms, including modern rifles, have also been recovered.
