Türkiye apprehends 203 irregular migrants in nationwide operations

In a series of operations carried out across various regions of Türkiye, a total of 203 irregular migrants were apprehended by law enforcement agencies.

The operations took place in Antalya, Mugla, Istanbul, Kirklareli, and Edirne, reflecting the ongoing efforts to combat irregular migration in the country.

Antalya: 111 irregular migrants arrested

In Antalya, the Gendarmerie arrested 111 irregular migrants during an operation targeting an organized crime group led by Y.E.

The group was involved in smuggling migrants from Konya and Eskisehir to the coastal areas of Kas, where they planned to send them abroad.

During the operation, 8 individuals were detained, and the migrants were handed over to the Provincial Immigration Administration for deportation procedures.

Bodrum: 18 irregular migrants rescued

In the Mugla district of Bodrum, the Coast Guard rescued 18 irregular migrants from a rubber boat that had experienced engine failure and was drifting in the open sea. The boat, carrying one child among the migrants, was located after a distress call was received.

A suspect, believed to be involved in migrant smuggling, was arrested.

The migrants were also transferred to the Provincial Immigration Administration for processing.

Beyoglu: 6 irregular migrants found in hidden compartment

In Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, police discovered 6 irregular migrants from Morocco hiding in the lower section of a tourist bus coming from Greece. After receiving a tip-off, the police stopped the bus and found the migrants concealed beneath.

The bus driver, a Greek national named K.S., was taken into custody for questioning. Further investigations led to the arrest of R.S., a Moroccan national accused of organizing the illegal migration. He was remanded in custody after his interrogation.

Kırklareli: 45 irregular migrants arrested

In Kırklareli, security forces arrested 45 irregular migrants who had entered the country illegally.

The authorities have been intensifying their efforts to prevent irregular migration, and the migrants were transferred to the Pehlivankoy Removal Center for further processing.

The vehicle used in transporting the migrants was also seized by the authorities.

Edirne: 23 irregular migrants detained

Lastly, in Edirne, 23 irregular migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan were arrested for illegally entering Türkiye.

Security forces have been conducting routine checks and operations across the city to tackle irregular migration.

The arrested migrants were handed over to the Provincial Immigration Administration for further procedures.