Law enforcement agencies have conducted a major operation targeting drug producers and street vendors in 41 provinces across Turkey. Interior Minister Yerlikaya announced on social media that the operations were carried out by the General Directorate of Security in 41 provinces and the Gendarmerie General Command in 12 provinces. The operations involved the participation of 565 teams, 1602 personnel, and 28 narcotics detection dogs in various cities including İzmir, Samsun, Ankara, Antalya, and Istanbul.
In a statement, Yerlikaya mentioned that the operations led to the seizure of 1 ton 43 kilograms of drugs and 387,000 narcotic pills, along with the arrest of 434 individuals. The operations were carried out in cooperation with the local police departments and gendarmerie units in provinces such as Şırnak, Tekirdağ, Malatya, and Konya. Yerlikaya expressed his appreciation for the heroic efforts of the police and gendarmerie in combating drug trafficking and emphasized that the operations will continue with determination.
The Interior Ministry and the Gendarmerie General Command jointly named the operation “NARKOÇELİK-9” and shared the success of the operation on social media. The operation targeted drug manufacturers, sellers, and street vendors in various provinces including Istanbul, Diyarbakır, Antalya, and Samsun. The significant quantity of drugs seized during the operation underscores the magnitude of the drug trafficking problem in Turkey and the importance of ongoing efforts to combat it effectively.
The success of the joint operation against drug traffickers has been widely praised by the public and officials alike. Minister Yerlikaya highlighted the commitment of law enforcement agencies to continue pursuing drug dealers and taking decisive action against them. The operation serves as a testament to the determination of the Turkish authorities to address the issue of drug trafficking effectively and protect the country’s citizens from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
The operation sends a strong message to drug traffickers and criminals that Turkey is committed to combating the illegal drug trade and will spare no effort in addressing the issue. With the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs and the arrest of numerous individuals involved in drug trafficking, the operation is a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to tackle the problem head-on. The collaboration between the police and the gendarmerie in conducting the operation reflects the dedication and coordination of law enforcement agencies in addressing the issue of drug trafficking in the country.