Nearly 1,800 illegal weapons seized in nationwide crackdown in Türkiye
Turkish police in the Mercek-22 operation. (Photo via Anadolu Agency)
In a significant law enforcement operation named Mercek-22, Turkish authorities seized 1,790 illegal weapons and initiated legal proceedings against 1,847 suspects.
The five-day operation, which spanned 78 provinces, targeted arms smugglers and individuals carrying unlicensed firearms.
Operation details, results
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the outcomes of the operation on his social media account, highlighting the comprehensive efforts of the police force.
The operation involved searches of homes, businesses, public areas, and road checks, leading to the confiscation of a wide array of weapons, including long-barreled rifles and various other firearms.
- 1,055 unregistered pistols
- 293 converted blank pistol
- 37 long-barreled rifles
- 405 unlicensed shotguns
A total of 1,790 weapons were seized, and legal actions were taken against 1,847 suspects.
Top 5 city data
The operation yielded significant results in the top five cities:
- Istanbul: 164 pistols and 20 shotguns seized; 248 suspects detained
- Izmir: 65 pistols and 16 shotguns seized; 78 suspects detained
- Adana: 59 pistols and 19 shotguns seized; 58 suspects detained
- Diyarbakır: 49 pistols and six shotguns seized; 49 suspects detained
- Gaziantep: 43 pistols and 25 hunting rifles seized; 78 suspects detained
Minister Yerlikaya’s statement
Yerlikaya expressed his determination to continue the fight against illegal arms and criminal groups. “I want our dear nation to know that we will continue to catch those who supply unlicensed weapons one by one and bring them to justice. With your prayers and support, our fight against criminal groups who want their own dark order to prevail will continue unabated,” he stated.
