The “Canık Gang,” an organized crime group led by Ahmet Canık, was dismantled in simultaneous operations carried out by the Gendarmerie in two provinces centered in Kahramanmaraş. In these operations, a total of 21 suspects were captured, with 20 of them being arrested and one placed under judicial control. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya took to social media to assure the public that no leniency would be shown towards those who commit crimes, disrupt the peace, or engage in organized crime groups. He emphasized the commitment to dismantle and bring to justice all organized crime groups, regardless of their scale.
In the period between June 1, 2023, and April 4, 2024, a total of 424 organized crime groups were dismantled, including 14 international, 38 national, 69 regional, and 303 local groups. The coordinated efforts of the Türkoğlu Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Provincial Gendarmerie Command in Kahramanmaraş led to the identification of suspects involved in organized “Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking” crimes in Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep.
As a result of the operations, unauthorized pistols, shotguns, various amounts of synthetic cannabinoids, methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug pills, as well as numerous drug paraphernalia, were seized. Minister Yerlikaya commended the efforts of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the courageous Gendarmerie units who conducted the operations, ending his statement with prayers for their continued success, stating, “May God bless your work, and may the prayers of our people be with you.”
The successful operations against the “Canık Gang” and other organized crime groups demonstrate the government’s determination to combat criminal activities and uphold the rule of law. The dismantling of 424 organized crime groups within a relatively short period signifies a significant achievement in law enforcement efforts to ensure the safety and security of the citizens. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in identifying and apprehending suspects involved in illicit activities has contributed to the overall success of these operations.
The Interior Minister’s commitment to eradicating organized crime and ensuring the delivery of justice serves as a strong message to criminals and criminal organizations that their activities will not be tolerated. The crackdown on drug-related crimes, including manufacturing and trafficking, highlights the government’s dedication to addressing the root causes of social issues and protecting communities from harm. The public’s support for law enforcement agencies and the justice system is essential in maintaining law and order and promoting a safe environment for all citizens. The ongoing efforts to combat organized crime will continue to be a top priority for the government in order to create a safer and more secure society for everyone.
