Massive drug bust in Istanbul nets cocaine, synthetic drugs and pills
Police and the police officer during an anti-narcotics operation named "Narkokapan-2" conducted in Istanbul, Türkiye. (Screengrab from video)
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrest of eight suspects, including two foreign nationals, following a large-scale anti-narcotics operation named “Narkokapan-2” conducted in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Details of operation
The operation targeted drug dealers in Istanbul‘s Esenyurt and Basaksehir districts. Authorities confiscated:
- 95.5 kilograms of synthetic drugs,
- 74 kilograms of cocaine,
- Over 1 million drug pills.
Minister Yerlikaya confirmed that all eight suspects apprehended during the operation have been detained.
Minister Yerlikaya’s statement
Yerlikaya emphasized the importance of combating drug trafficking, describing it as more than a security issue.
“The fight against drugs, which is a global disaster, is not only a security issue, it is also the issue of our future. We are on every street, every avenue, every corner,” Yerlikaya said.
“We do not allow the drug dealers to open their eyes. We do not and will not allow them to darken the future of our children,” Yerlikaya added.
He also shared visuals from the operation and extended congratulations to the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and the police teams involved.
