Iranian Deputy Interior Minister Ali Abdollahi says the country is seriously monitoring its border regions by stepping up physical measures and strengthening border bases.
He added that Iran attaches special significance to enhancing security in its border areas because it has common sea and ground borders with many countries.
“Given the circumstances in certain neighboring countries and efforts by enemies of the [Islamic] Revolution to organize terrorist groups, it is all the more necessary to pay attention to borders” Abdollahi said.
He emphasized the smuggling of drugs and weapons is among issues fueling insecurity and should be countered.
Iran has a 900-kilometer border with Afghanistan and has frequently been used as the main conduit for the smuggling of Afghan drugs to narcotics kingpins in Europe.
The Islamic Republic has spent more than $700 million to seal the borders and prevent the transit of narcotics destined for European, Arab, and Central Asian countries.
The war on drug trade originating from Afghanistan has claimed the lives of nearly 4,000 Iranian police officers over the past 33 years.
By Press TV
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