Azerbaijan, Baku, April 16/Trend M. Moezzi
Combating smuggling will again be the focus of Iran's border patrol activities, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reports.
Stepping up border patrols will be a part of carrying out this year's national slogan, 'Domestic production, support for Iranian investments and jobs'," said border police Brigadier General Hossein Zolfaqari.
Last year drug seizures by the Naja Border Patrol Force grew 29 per cent, weapons' seizures grew 79 per cent and alcohol seizures increased 69 per cent.
In recent years Iran's operations to secure its borders have been extensive, ranging from putting up barbed wire to using radar and optical capabilities. The government has allocated almost $82 million (USD) for the border patrol's budget while the same amount was provided for sea patrol operations.