DUSHANBE, September 20, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik Minister of Interiors Abdurahim Qahhorov today morning departed for the Russian city of Orenburg to attend the next joint board meeting of the ministries of interior (MoIs) of Tajikistan and the Russian Federation that will take place there on September 22.

The news agency, REGNUM, reports the sides are supposed to discuss issues related to interaction between Russia and Tajik police in detaining criminals, carrying out joint operations to prevent drug smuggling and countering illegal migrations.

According to the statistical data from Tajikistan’s Interior Ministry, Tajik and Russian police have carried out joint operations, dubbed Search and Illegal Immigrant over the first eight months of this year.  44 persons wanted for perpetration of various crimes in Tajikistan have been detained in Russia and extradited to Tajikistan over the report period.

Since the beginning of this year, Tajik and Russian police have reportedly carried out two special operations, “checked deliveries [of drugs].”  The operations have resulted in seizure of some 12 kilograms of Afghan heroin.