MOSCOW, February 10. /TASS/. The Russian Sports Ministry will make sure that collection of doping samples among the national athletes will be doubled this year, hitting an average figure of 6,000, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko said on Friday.

"We have a contract with UKAD regarding the collection of doping samples - last year over 3,000 samples were handled," Mutko, who oversees issues regarding sports, tourism and youth policies in the country, told journalists. "They (UKAD) will soon publish another report, which contains data about approximately ten issued suspensions."

"This year, the (Russian) Sports Ministry intends to provide conditions for the collection of 6,000 doping samples in order to tighten control over abuse of performance enhancing drugs," Mutko added.

Less than two years ago the WADA Independent Commission carried out an investigation in regard to the activities of RUSADA, the All-Russia Athletics Federation (ARAF), the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and the Russian Sports Ministry, and announced the results of the probe on November 9, 2015.

The commission accused certain athletes and sports officials of doping abuse and involvement in other activities related to violations of international regulations on performance enhancing substances. The work of the Moscow anti-doping laboratory and RUSADA was eventually suspended.

Starting last year’s January control over anti-doping regulations in Russian sports has been exercised by RUSADA strictly under the supervision of the British anti-doping agency (UKAD).