Türkiye reports shift in drug seizures: Decrease in heroin, surge in methamphetamine
Türkiye sees a decrease in heroin seizures but a record-breaking rise in methamphetamine confiscations, according to U.N. Narcotics Control Board Member professor Sevil Atasoy
Professor Dr. Sevil Atasoy, a member of the United Nations (U.N.) International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), reported that, according to data reflected in the board’s 2023 report, less heroin was seized in Türkiye in 2022 compared to previous years.
He attributed this decrease to increased inspections by security forces.
The report, which mainly focuses on the role of the internet, including social media, in drug trafficking and use and provides recommendations to relevant governments for the prevention of synthetic drug trafficking and its dangers, was announced worldwide.
The report’s data related to Türkiye was announced simultaneously to the world at Uskudar University by Atasoy, the University’s deputy rector and member of the U.N. International Narcotics Control Board.
“Türkiye advised to reduce poppy cultivation areas”
Speaking at the university meeting, Atasoy mentioned that the report indicated Türkiye had a significant amount of morphine, stating: “The stock is very high, almost the country with the highest morphine stock in the world. We have 82 tons of morphine equivalent raw material in our stock. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce poppy cultivation areas. Türkiye has gradually reduced the cultivation area from 45,123 hectares in 2018 to 26,979 hectares, to deplete its morphine stocks.”
Highlighting the heroin seizure rates of Iran and Türkiye as stated in the report, Atasoy said: “Iran and Türkiye, located in the first part of the Balkan route, reported less heroin seized in 2022 compared to previous years. Türkiye achieved its lowest seizure in the last 5 years with 7.9 tons. In 2021, this amount was 22.2 tons, but only 64% was seized. There was about 30% less heroin seized. Both countries attribute this decrease to increased inspections by security forces and the increasing use of the Southern route.”
Record-breaking seizures of methamphetamine
Atasoy stated that an increasing amount of methamphetamine had been seized in the country since 2019, reaching a record-breaking 77.7 tons in 2022, with Afghan-origin methamphetamine entering Türkiye through Iran.
“Türkiye mainly seizes crystal methamphetamine, but also liquid methamphetamine. Officials have reported that liquid methamphetamine is preferred due to its greater concealment possibilities.
The report also includes the detection of facilities around Istanbul that convert liquid methamphetamine into crystal form.
Türkiye’s seizures of synthetic cannabis also decreased by 53% compared to 2021. According to the report, the countries that seized the most cannabis resin in West Asia in 2020 and 2021 were Afghanistan, Iran, Türkiye, and Lebanon, respectively,” Atasoy said.
Decrease in cannabis seizures, increase in skunk seizures
Emphasizing that skunk, a highly potent form of cannabis, is a serious issue for Türkiye and is also included in the report, Atasoy stated that there was a 28% decrease in cannabis seizures compared to previous years, but the more effective seizure of skunk increased by 56%.
Cannabis remains the most used drug
Referring to a study on individuals involved in drug-related crimes in Türkiye in 2022 included in the report, Atasoy stated that according to this, the most used drug was cannabis with 49.2%, followed by methamphetamine with 24.9%, and heroin with 6.8%.
Atasoy also discussed the increase in methamphetamine-related deaths as a share of total drug-related deaths and possible measures, stating, “The main reason for the decrease in heroin use is the ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.
Unemployed villagers turned to another product after this ban, and that product was methamphetamine. We know that the methamphetamine seized in Turkey originates from Afghanistan. This substance is a severe danger to Türkiye.”
Source: AA
