TEHRAN - Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that police forces should fight smuggling of goods and counter those who undermine security in the cyberspace.

It is essential to fight smuggling which is an impediment to boost production in the country, the Leader said during a meeting with a group of police commanders.

He noted the reason behind smuggling is not just gaining profits, saying sometimes “evil intentions” are at work.

Ayatollah Khamenei also said that the police are duty bound to protect the people’s security in cyberspace.

"Cyberspace has expanded a lot ... and represents both opportunities and dangers," the Leader noted.

Police should also counter sale of weapons as the act is banned in Iran, the Leader remarked.

He said easy access to guns in the United States served only a "mafia of gun manufacturers".

"In some countries, such as the United States, weapons are freely sold in the interest of the mafia of gun manufacturers and this causes problems for the people," the Leader pointed out.

Elsewhere, Ayatollah Khamenei said that police forces have made great advances, but more efforts should be done.

He also praised efforts made by police during the recent floods that hit various cities and villages across the country.

Heavy rainfall, beginning on March 19, led to flooding in 28 out of 31 provinces. It has affected 42,269,129 inhabitants in 253 cities. It has caused widespread damage to residential buildings, farms, roads, municipal facilities, including health centers and hospitals.

NA/PA