Blow to Migrant Smuggling in Çanakkale: 37 Migrants and 1 Organizer Detained

Within the scope of the determined struggle against migrant smuggling in Çanakkale, an intensive effort was carried out by the teams of the Department of Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking under the Provincial Gendarmerie Command. Operations conducted in designated risky areas across the province between 26 June and 2 July laid bare the sensitive situation of the region and the attentiveness of the security units. Detailed intelligence and physical surveillance operations were carried out against groups preparing for illegal passage in 4 different locations, executed with planned coordination.

Upon examining the details of the operations, it was observed that significant steps were taken not just to apprehend migrants but to dismantle the organization. As a result of their work, the teams neutralized 37 irregular migrants preparing to go abroad through illegal means one by one. At the same time, 1 organizer suspect, assessed to have organized and managed this smuggling activity, was detained. In addition to this success, a large quantity of material determined to belong to the organizers was seized during the operation.

In the searches and operations conducted by the gendarmerie teams, attempts were also made to dry up the financial and logistical resources of the migrant smuggling network. 1 automobile found in the operation area and under the control of the suspects, an inflatable rubber boat assessed to be used to provide passage via sea, and the motor of this boat were seized by the security forces. Additionally, 1,800 dollars and 4,655 Turkish Liras in cash, estimated to be the profit obtained by the organizer and a financial resource for their activities, were seized.

Procedures regarding the fate of the 37 irregular migrants apprehended were carried out in accordance with the protocol. The migrants in question were handed over to the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (GÖKSEM) in Ayvacık district to perform necessary administrative procedures, identity determinations, and health checks. Detailed reviews and legal procedures regarding the status of the migrants have been initiated at this center. It was stated that the processes regarding how the migrants will be transferred or deported from here are continuing.

It was learned that a legal process has been initiated for the detained organizer suspect and the detention process is ongoing. The suspect is expected to be referred to the judicial authorities after sufficient evidence is collected regarding the crime of 'Migrant Smuggling'. Authorities stated that the determinations that the boats and motors seized in the operations were to be used for illegal passages via sea once again proved Çanakkale's strategic importance in the migrant route. It was emphasized that the struggle against such organized crime activities that disregard human life in the region will continue uninterruptedly and with determination.