Putin For Tougher Work Of Customs Officers

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Mikhail Vanin, head of the State Customs Committee. According to presidential spokesman Alexei Gromov, the head of state instructed Vanin to congratulate on his behalf customs personnel on the Day of Customs and the Russian Customs Committee's 10th anniversary. According to Gromov, the president stressed the "crucial role that customs play in state budget forming and in defending the country's economic security, combating drugs smuggling and other threats." The presidential spokesman said that the issue of providing the most up-to-date technology and equipment for the customs and border services had been discussed during the meeting. Putin outlined the future tasks for customs. According to the spokesman, "the president emphasised the necessity for customs officers to be tougher, while curbing attempts to evade customs payments and fighting against smuggling."