Kocaeli Police Department’s Intelligence and Narcotics Combat Branch, in coordination with the Gulf Republic Prosecutor’s Office and the General Directorate of Security Narcotics Combat Department, completed the legal proceedings for 13 suspects, including the leader of an international drug trafficking organized crime group, who were captured in the “Narkoçelik-11” operations.
10 of the suspects were arrested and 3 were released under judicial control after being referred to the criminal judge of peace.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya had previously announced on his social media account that in operations carried out by the Narcotics Combat Branch directorates in Kocaeli, Antalya, and Tekirdağ, a total of 13 individuals, including 4 foreigners, who were members of an international drug trafficking organized crime group led by Danı Talal Awad Abushanap, a national of Lebanon and Venezuela, had been detained.
During the operations, a total of 579.3 kilograms of liquid cocaine, 7.79 kilograms of pressed cocaine, 20.5 kilograms of fertilizer-soaked cocaine, 625 grams of cocaine, 827.5 kilograms of chemical substances used in drug production, a press machine used for drug pressing, 8 molds used for pressing cocaine, precision scales, a pump-action rifle, and various tools used in drug processing and production were seized.
The operation against the “Narkoçelik-11” organized crime group is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in Turkey, particularly in the Kocaeli region, which is known to be a significant transit point for narcotics trade.
The suspects arrested in connection with this case are now facing charges related to drug trafficking, possession of illegal narcotics, and membership in an organized crime syndicate. The successful outcome of this operation is a testament to the effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in targeting and dismantling criminal networks involved in drug trafficking.
