Türkiye’s war against drugs: Rising use, major busts, alarming reports

Türkiye faces a deepening drug crisis that threatens public health and social stability.

Known for its strategic location connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the country has long been a key transit point for narcotics.

However, recent years have shown an alarming increase in domestic drug consumption, particularly methamphetamine, compelling authorities to intensify Türkiye’s war against drugs.

Methamphetamine use reaches alarming levels in Türkiye

Methamphetamine use has become a growing crisis in Türkiye, affecting public health and safety at unprecedented levels.

Key details:

• Rising death tolls: In 2022, methamphetamine was linked to 56% of all drug-related deaths in Türkiye, a dramatic increase from 7% in 2017.
• Seizures spike: Authorities reported seizing over 21.9 tons of methamphetamine in 2022, showing a 35.5% increase compared to the previous year.
• Community impact: Authorities have reported that methamphetamine has overtaken heroin in some cities, becoming a severe problem for local communities.

Why it matters:

• Rehabilitation applications surge: Methamphetamine is now the top reason for treatment requests, with over 360,000 applications recorded recently.
• Hotspot cities: Istanbul is a primary concern due to its significant role as a distribution hub for methamphetamine and synthetic drugs.

Record methamphetamine usage intensifies Türkiye’s war against drugs

Türkiye has faced a sharp rise in methamphetamine trafficking and usage, with 2022 marking a record high of 77.7 tons seized, doubling the amounts from previous years.

This surge is largely attributed to the trafficking of Afghan-origin methamphetamine through Iran. Authorities also reported significant seizures of liquid methamphetamine, preferred by traffickers due to easier concealment. Facilities converting liquid methamphetamine into crystal form have been uncovered around Istanbul.

The year 2022 also saw 2.3 tons of cocaine seized, an 18% increase from 2021. Despite such large-scale operations in line with Türkiye’s war against drugs, methamphetamine remains a dominant issue, making up 37.8% of all treatment cases recorded in 2022, alongside heroin at 37.4%.

Health experts, including professor Dr. Atasoy, emphasize the importance of scientific and evidence-based approaches, urging for a balanced budget that supports both law enforcement and preventive measures.

These developments reflect a deepening health crisis, as methamphetamine-linked fatalities climbed from 6.2% in 2018 to nearly 60% in 2022, indicating its expanding impact on public health and safety.

Türkiye’s strategic role in drug trafficking, major operations reveal complex networks

Türkiye’s position along the Balkan Route and its connection to Middle Eastern and European drug networks make it central to narcotics trafficking.

A report from Dialogo Americas revealed that Turkish criminal groups have strengthened ties with Latin American cartels, contributing to an influx of cocaine.

• 2021 record haul: The largest cocaine seizure in Türkiye’s history took place, with 1,300 kilograms intercepted, also from Ecuador.
• March 2023: Guatemalan officials discovered 480 barrels of chemicals that tested positive for fentanyl aboard a Turkish-flagged ship. The shipment, initially from Türkiye, was bound for Guatemala with transit stops in France and Colombia.
• April 2024: Police confiscated 608 kilograms of cocaine in an operation spanning three provinces.
• June 2024: Turkish authorities seized 373 kilograms of cocaine originating from Ecuador as part of Türkiye’s war against drugs.

Broader impact:

• Expert insights: Mahmut Cengiz, a research associate professor at George Mason University, emphasized that these incidents mark the peak of Turkish criminal networks’ expanding influence in Latin America.
• Diversified illicit activities: While cocaine remains a major focus, these networks are also implicated in fentanyl trafficking, highlighting their adaptability and reach.

PKK/KCK terrorist group’s involvement in Türkiye’s drug landscape

The Turkish National Police’s 2024 report detailed the significant role of the PKK/KCK terrorist group in drug trafficking. This group oversees production and distribution, collecting “taxes” on narcotics transported through their controlled routes.

The PKK/KCK’s network reaches into European distribution channels, reinforcing Türkiye’s role as both a transit and a target market for drugs.

Türkiye’s war against drugs and commitment to countering the trade has led to extensive operations. In October 2024, the “Narkocelik-41” operation saw 644 street-level dealers arrested, with over 5 million drug pills seized across 57 provinces.

This operation mobilized 1,603 teams and employed 41 narcotics detection dogs, reflecting the breadth of resources dedicated to tackling narcotics crime. Earlier that month, targeted raids in Istanbul’s Beyoglu and Gaziosmanpasa districts led to 47 arrests and the confiscation of narcotics and unlicensed firearms.

Community involvement shows commitment to Türkiye’s war against drugs

Beyond enforcement, Türkiye has invested in community-driven prevention programs. One notable initiative is the “Mothers are the best drug police” (En Iyi Narkotik Polisi Anne) project, which has reached over 350,000 mothers by 2024.

This program educates mothers on recognizing signs of drug use and preventive strategies. The focus on households comes from the finding that most drug use happens at home. The project also holds sessions in schools, cultural centers, and factories to reach a broader audience.

The Narko-TIR program is another significant effort. This mobile educational unit travels across the country, featuring interactive exhibits that inform the public about the dangers of drug use and inform citizens about Türkiye’s war against drugs.

Visitors engage with touch-screen displays to learn about the impacts of drugs and how to protect themselves and their communities. This innovative approach aims to create awareness and reduce the likelihood of drug dependency among youth.

Looking ahead at Türkiye’s war against drugs

Despite these extensive measures, challenges remain in Türkiye’s war against drugs. Türkiye’s geographic location continues to attract organized crime groups seeking new trafficking routes.

Methamphetamine flows from Iran into Türkiye, where it is either consumed domestically or trafficked further into Europe. Additionally, the PKK/KCK’s involvement reflects the connection between drug trafficking and broader security issues.

Balancing law enforcement with community-driven prevention efforts has become increasingly important as drug trends evolve. By 2023, the Turkish government dedicated over $6.9 billion to anti-narcotics initiatives, underlining its determination to address the crisis.

However, the rise of synthetic drugs and shifting trafficking routes continue to challenge Türkiye’s war against drugs.

Experts note that the global scale of organized crime demands stronger international partnerships to effectively disrupt supply chains. Türkiye’s commitment to comprehensive strategies remains crucial as it navigates the complexities of both domestic and international drug networks.