Russia's drug control chief said on Monday Tajikistan should be given aid to help it combat Afghan heroin trafficking through its territory.
Viktor Ivanov said Tajikistan, which has the largest border with Afghanistan, is the main supply route of heroin to Russia.
"Russia intends to further strengthen relations with Tajikistan," he said. "In particular the National Anti-Drug Committee proposes that donor aid be provided to Tajikistan, similar to that given by the United States to Mexico: help with funding, arms and specialists."
Ivanov said Russia sought to strengthen economic ties with Tajikistan, help it create new jobs, build hydroelectric power plants and carry out other projects.
Afghan drug production increased dramatically after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled the Taliban in 2001 and Russia has been one of the most affected countries.
According to the Federal Drug Control Service, Afghan opium causes the deaths of around 100,000 people around the world and around 30,000 Russians annually.
RIA Novosti will host an international anti-drug forum in Moscow on Wednesday and Thursday to draw the public's attention to the dangers of heroin abuse.
MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti)
