Türkiye intensifies crackdown on organized crime and drug networks

Türkiye’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya outlined the country’s intensified operations against organized crime, human trafficking, and drug networks during a televised interview on TGRT Haber.

Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s determination to eradicate criminal organizations, highlighting measurable results and ongoing initiatives.

“Until the last human trafficker, the last motorcycle thief, and the last organized crime leader are brought to justice, our fight will continue relentlessly,” he said.

Significant gains against organized crime syndicates

Yerlikaya detailed Türkiye’s progress in combating organized crime, sharing key statistics: “Since taking office, we have arrested 6,385 individuals and dismantled 819 organized crime networks. In addition, we have seized assets worth ₺106 billion ($3 billion),” he stated.

He emphasized that criminal networks targeting local businesses through extortion and intimidation remain a top priority.

“Who can dictate terms to our citizens? We, as the state, must stand firm against such threats,” Yerlikaya said, adding that Türkiye’s justice and financial institutions are working in coordination to dismantle remaining networks.

Drug operations lead to over 50,000 arrests

Yerlikaya highlighted significant progress in drug-related operations, reporting that more than 53,000 individuals have been arrested on drug-related charges over the past 18 months.

“While there’s commendable effort, as long as even one drug dealer operates near a school, I consider our work unfinished,” he said.

Special measures are being implemented in key provinces with high drug-related activity, with results expected to be visible starting early 2024.

Yerlikaya encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities anonymously through Türkiye’s emergency hotline, emphasizing public cooperation as essential in sustaining success.

Increased surveillance with body cameras for law enforcement

To enhance transparency and accountability, Yerlikaya announced the deployment of body cameras for police and gendarmerie officers across Türkiye.

“Every officer interacting with citizens will wear a body camera by August 2025. We’ve placed an order for 50,000–60,000 units with Aselsan,” Yerlikaya confirmed. The initiative aims to protect both citizens and law enforcement personnel while deterring misconduct.

Fighting irregular migration with stricter border controls

Yerlikaya also addressed irregular migration, emphasizing Türkiye’s firm stance against human trafficking networks and unauthorized border crossings.

“No one can cross our land borders undetected. If you attempt to enter illegally, you will be stopped. If you try to exit illegally, you will be caught,” he said.

Türkiye has tightened border controls along the eastern border with Iran, aiming to end its role as a migration route by 2025. Yerlikaya stressed that irregular migration not only threatens Türkiye’s security but also encourages further human trafficking operations.

Türkiye’s multi-layered crime prevention strategy

Yerlikaya concluded by underscoring the Interior Ministry’s focus on a three-tiered strategy: prevention, apprehension, and justice.

“In 2023, we reduced the number of major crimes from 745,000 to 714,000—a 33% decrease. Additionally, our crime-solving rate has exceeded 68%,” he stated. Daily briefings and updates on operations are shared to maintain public transparency and motivate law enforcement personnel.