'If the government, DNC or law enforcement agencies allocate research funds to academic institutions, we can conduct area-specific studies to map drug addiction patterns and design effective preventive frameworks.'

Once an area is declared a drug-prone zone, a taskforce will be formed with DNC and other law enforcement agencies involved in drug control. A list will be made of drug dealers, money launderers using drug money and the accused in drug-related cases, he added.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the government is working to trace the drug peddlers who opened fire on law enforcers, leaving an intelligence official dead near Tumbru border in Bandarban's Naikkhangchhari upazila yesterday.