TEHRAN, December 9 (Mehr News Agency)— Deputy interior minister for security affairs Ali-Asghar Ahmadi said here on Tuesday that the incident of kidnapping one Irish and two German tourists in Sistan-Baluchestan Province is "the price the country pays for its combat against drug trafficking.”

Ahmadi stressed that the claim has not yet been fully confirmed adding that a ransom of five million euros (six million dollars) had been demanded by the captors.

The deputy said that the issue is under further investigation by an inspecting council adding that a special committee has been set up to follow up the issue.

"Countries throughout the world perceive that Iran has taken successful measures in confronting drug smugglers," he said.

Ahmadi referred to a recent drugs haul made by Iranian police in the area leading them to suspect that enraged smugglers were behind the abduction.

"Since the value of the seized consignment equaled the demand made by the kidnappers, there is a strong likelihood that they are trying this blackmail in order to retrieve their lost profits," he said.

Ahmadi stressed the necessity of supporting foreign tourists as guests in the country adding that Iran under no circumstances will allow anyone in any province to jeopardize the lives of the foreigners.

"These people are under the protection of the Islamic republic of Iran and we will protect their lives," he said. Ahmadi voiced regret over the incident adding, "We will do our best to rescue the hostages so that they may return to their families."

"It is a matter of great importance to us to resolve the issue without giving tribute to certain criminals who think they can jeopardize people's lives," he said. HL/SRM/IS END MNA