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Turkish customs enforcement and the Spanish National Police seized 1.7 tons of cocaine hidden in fossil flour during a joint international operation that tracked a container from South America through Istanbul's Ambarli Port to Madrid, where three organized crime members were arrested.
The operation began when Turkish Customs Protection units identified a suspicious container carrying fossil flour that traveled from South America to Spain via transit through Istanbul's Ambarli Port, according to a statement from the Ministry of Trade on Tuesday.
Detailed inspections at the port revealed 1.7 tons of cocaine embedded within the fossil flour.
The Buyukcekmece Chief Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation into the drug trafficking attempt.
Authorities implemented a controlled delivery operation to identify all perpetrators involved in the smuggling network.
The container was tracked jointly by Turkish Customs Protection and Spanish police as it continued to Barcelona Port.
Spanish National Police conducted the final operation in Madrid with participation from Turkish Customs Protection officers.
Three organized crime members were arrested while attempting to collect the narcotics shipment.
The investigation continues under the jurisdiction of the Buyukcekmece Chief Prosecutor's Office.
Turkish Customs Protection units maintain ongoing efforts against drug trafficking that threatens public health and order both domestically and internationally.
In a separate operation, customs teams at Hamzabeyli Border Gate in Edirne province seized 105 kilograms of cannabis worth ₺65 million ($1.5 million).
The narcotics were discovered hidden within legal cargo in 97 transparent bags during detailed searches involving the narcotics detection dog Atlas.
The Edirne Chief Prosecutor's Office continues the investigation into the cannabis seizure.
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