Turkish prosecutors request arrest of suspects amid cocaine case probe

(MENAFN) Turkish prosecutors requested the arrest of 10 suspects on Thursday as part of an investigation into a vessel carrying 10 tons of cocaine that was seized off the Canary Islands earlier this month.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said statements had been completed for 12 individuals detained in coordinated operations across six provinces before being referred to court. Prosecutors are seeking arrest for 10 suspects on charges including drug trafficking and establishing a criminal organization, while the remaining two face judicial control measures. Court proceedings are ongoing.

Spanish authorities seized the cocaine on January 7 from the vessel UNITED S in international waters near the Canary Islands. Thirteen crew members were detained, including four Turkish nationals. Following the seizure, Turkish authorities launched a parallel investigation.

Initially, seven suspects were detained in Turkey on charges of organizing a criminal network, drug trafficking, and laundering criminally obtained assets. Arrest warrants have been issued for three suspects believed to be abroad, with Interpol Red Notices in process. Meanwhile, four crew members remain in Spanish custody, and five additional suspects have been detained in Turkey as the investigation continues.

MENAFN22012026000045017281ID1110636095