MOSCOW, June 5 (RAPSI) – The government has backed a bill extending the customs and border services’ powers of inquiry of certain criminal cases over smuggling, according to a statement of the Russian Cabinet of Ministers.

Amendments have been proposed to the Criminal Procedure Code. The draft law is to be submitted to the State Duma soon.

The changes will improve the quality of investigations into cases over cash smuggling and alcohol and tobacco trafficking, the statement reads.