Putin calls Interior Ministry major law enforcer

President Vladimir Putin has demanded that the Interior Ministry enhance the fight against extremism, organised crime, and drug trade.

RIA Novosti learned in the press service of the Russian president that the head of state had sent a letter to the personnel, officers and veterans of the Russian Interior Ministry congratulating them on the 200th-anniversary of the creation of the interior Ministry. The letter, namely, reads: "Today Russia is facing real threats, extremism in all its forms, organised crime, and drug trade. A prompt and adequate response, joint coordinated efforts of all law-enforcement services, adequate fulfilment of duties by every staff member are required to resolve these rather complicated issues." In the president's words, the interior ministry set up by Emperor Alexander I 200 years ago "has become a great support of the state in keeping law order and protecting people." "In different times the main objective of the police and Interior Troops servicemen has been to protect the interests of the Motherland. You can ensure the stability and safety of our life, the guarantee of rights and freedoms of Russian citizens, a favourable business climate in the country," the letter of the congratulation reads.