The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) says that Myanmar’s armed rebel group Arakan Army is now involved in the Yaba trade. A large amount of Yaba is entering Bangladesh through them, which has become a major threat to the country. Ramu Sector Commander Colonel Mohiuddin Ahmed gave this information at a press conference held at a hotel in Cox’s Bazar on Monday, September 15. He also gave details about the recent drug and arms recovery operations and new steps to strengthen security at the border. ‘Rohingyas are the main smugglers’ The BGB commander said, “Rohingyas are the main smugglers of Yaba. They are very fast, so it is difficult to catch them. Some unscrupulous people in our country are bringing Yaba from the Arakan Army and distributing it in Bangladesh for their own interests. This is a terrible threat to the country’s youth and economy.” He said that due to strict surveillance at the Ukhia-Teknaf border, smugglers are now choosing the sea route. “It is estimated that about 80 percent of the drugs are entering through the coasts of Maheshkhali, Banshkhali, Kutubdia, Anwara and Kuakata. Not only in Bangladesh, drugs are being smuggled to other countries through these routes.”Surveillance at sea Colonel Mohiuddin showed some radar images to reporters, where Bangladeshi trawlers are seen heading towards Myanmar in the dark. He said that the BGB, Navy and Coast Guard are now conducting coordinated operations to prevent smuggling in the deep sea. He said that the Naikhongchhari border has also become risky. “Due to the difficult geography and limited communication system, it is difficult to monitor this area. Still, the BGB is trying its best. ”He also said at the press conference that 104 fishermen are currently detained by the Arakan Army. A total of 228 fishermen were arrested so far; 124 of them were brought back through negotiations. “Among them, 95 are Bangladeshis and 133 are FDMN (Rohingya). Although the Arakan Army is not a government force, they have an agreement with us as neighbors. Many fishermen have returned through that communication,” said the BGB commander. He clarified, “Fishermen are arrested only when they accidentally or intentionally enter Myanmar waters. The Arakan Army has never entered Bangladesh and captured anyone. We have repeatedly warned the fishermen not to cross the border.” Since July 15, the BGB has recovered about 2.8 million yaba pills from the border areas of Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban. 22 firearms were also recovered during this time, including modern rifles. The press conference was attended by Lt. Gen. Colonel Ashikur Rahman, Commander of Cox’s Bazar 34 BGB Lt. Colonel Khairul Alam, Commander of Ukhia 64 BGB Lt. Colonel Jasim Uddin and Commander of Naikhongchhari 11 BGB Lt. Colonel S.K.M. Kafil Uddin Kayes.