YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–As a result of joint measures launched last year–52 tons of pure heroin were found and destroyed–the director of the Federal Security Service of Russia–Nikolay Kovalev–said at a Tuesday news conference covering the results of the meeting of CIS security chiefs.
Kovalev said that the Russian delegation had informed their colleagues that one country had intentions of both spreading and carrying 200 tons of pure heroin via CIS territory.
The delegation also shared its experience of conducting a joint operation with special services of seven countries–including NATO members–as a result of which 86 people involved in drugs trafficking had been arrested. According to Kovalev–this experience will be also used in the scheduled joint action aimed at preventing drugs trafficking in the CIS.
Security chiefs were also reported to have agreed on cooperation and assistance in the field of technology. "We realize the difficulties our colleagues are facing. Unfortunately–Russia failed to avoid them as well. Nevertheless–we are going to provide as much assistance as possible in purchasing technologically advanced devices. The most important thing here is to master and apply technology. Today’s underworld is much better equipped than the special services. They have money and we have scanty budgets. This is a problem for all special services," said Kovalev.
Kovalev said the security chiefs are also concerned about illegal migration of criminals within the CIS. He described the issue as a very complicated one–pointing out that illegal migration facilitates ethnic criminal groups. Adding that such structures pose a grave danger to society–the Russian security chief highlighted the need for joint efforts in opposing them.