He came up with the information while speaking at a programme at the Rab-7 headquarters in Patenga.
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, elite force 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 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.