Turkish police arrest 59 individuals suspected in drugs trafficking

(MENAFN) On Tuesday, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that Turkish police had detained 59 individuals suspected of manufacturing and trafficking drugs in a coordinated series of operations across the country. These raids, which took place in 16 provinces, led to the seizure of over 1.2 tonnes of narcotics, 13.6 million roots of hemp, and more than 2 million narcotic pills. The operations were carried out with the assistance of 642 personnel, and were supported by aerial vehicles and narcotic detector dogs, underscoring the scale and intensity of the crackdown.

Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the Turkish government's firm stance against drug trafficking, declaring, "We are determined to rid our country of poison dealers and street vendors." This significant operation forms part of Turkey's broader effort to combat drug-related crime, particularly given the country's strategic role as a major transit hub for illegal drugs.

In recent months, Turkey has intensified its efforts to address the growing issue of drug smuggling. A notable operation in mid-July involved the detention of 396 suspects and the seizure of more than 1.7 tonnes of narcotics and 1.18 million narcotic pills across 57 provinces. These operations reflect a heightened focus on disrupting drug trafficking networks and reducing the availability of illegal substances within the country.

The increased enforcement and operational scale highlight Turkey's ongoing commitment to curbing drug trafficking and enhancing national security. By targeting major trafficking operations and dismantling drug manufacturing networks, the Turkish government aims to reduce the impact of drug-related crime on communities and maintain greater control over its borders and internal security.

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