TEHRAN -- Viktor Ivanov, the director of Russia’s Federal Service for the Control of Narcotics, has called for establishment of Tehran-Moscow joint center for an exchange of information in the fight against drugs.

Ivanov made the remarks in a meeting with Iranian Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar in Tehran on Thursday.
He also said that Iran and Russia play an important role in reducing or eradicating opium cultivation in the war-ravaged Afghanistan and the region.
Ivanov also praised Iran for taking serious measures in fighting narcotics.
The Russian official called Iran’s anti-smuggling rules comprehensive and said Iranian police force have gained valuable experiences in dealing effectively with the issue of drug smuggling.
Najjar, for his part, said, “We are ready to have any cooperation with Russia for establishing a center for exchange of information on campaign against drugs.”
He added that Iran expects Russia provide it with information which helps the Islamic Republic identify drug laboratories near its borders with Pakistan.
Najjara also stressed the need to expand relations between Tehran and Moscow on security issues vis-a-vis campaign against drugs.
He said that the two countries can share intelligence in identifying international drug dealers and conducting joint operations against drug dealers