Mega Drug Operation in 63 Provinces: 1 Ton 343 Kilos Seized

İçişleri Bakanı Ali Yerlikaya shared the details of a massive simultaneous drug operation conducted across Turkey in a statement made on 7 Ocak 2026. Within the scope of the operations, a total of 1 ton 343 kilograms of various narcotics and 178 bin 615 drug pills were successfully seized. These striking figures clearly reveal that one of the biggest steps taken in the fight against the illegal drug trade has been achieved. In the official announcement by the Ministry, it was stated that the operations played a critical role in protecting public health and drying up the financial resources of the drug traffickers. The operations in question were planned and implemented to cover a wide geography across the country, without being limited to a specific region.

The extensive operations in question were carried out in close coordination between the chief public prosecutor's offices and the Jandarma Narkotik Suçlarla Mücadele Daire Başkanlığı. Simultaneous raids were conducted in 63 different provinces, including major cities such as Çanakkale, Antalya, Adana, Ankara, İstanbul, İzmir, Bursa, Diyarbakır, Van, Şanlıurfa, and Gaziantep. The spread of the operation over such a wide area exposed the prevalence of drug networks across the country and the depth of connections between organized crime syndicates. It is assessed that one of the objectives of the operation was to completely collapse the logistics networks of these syndicates. The simultaneous action in different provinces prevented the suspects from escaping or the destruction of evidence, ensuring that the legal process was built on solid foundations.

The magnitude of the operations can be better understood when looking at the number of security forces deployed in the field. A total of 4 bin 644 narcotic and public order teams, attached to the Gendarmerie units, were mobilized to take part in this comprehensive operation. A total of 14 bin 924 personnel served in the force formed by these teams at the points where the raids were executed. The use of such a high number of personnel power in the field clearly demonstrates the magnitude of the potential risks encountered and the strategic importance of the operation. Starting from the early hours of the morning, security forces conducted simultaneous raids on many addresses, meticulously carrying out search and seizure operations. The professional stance and coordination displayed by the personnel in the field stand out as a decisive factor in the success of the operation.

As a result of the operations, the judicial process for the detained suspects was quickly initiated, and they were referred to the judicial authorities. According to the information provided by İçişleri Bakanı Yerlikaya, 162 of the suspects brought before the judge were arrested and sent to prison. The arrest count being this high is proof of the solidity of the seized evidence and the gathered intelligence information. In addition to those arrested, it was decided to apply judicial control measures for 70 suspects. It was announced that the procedures for the remaining suspects in the security units are still ongoing and will be forwarded to the judicial authorities once the process is completed. This rapid progress in the judicial process once again emphasizes that the state follows a zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers.

In his evaluation regarding the issue, İçişleri Bakanı Ali Yerlikaya addressed the citizens with a sensitive expression, reinforcing the determination of the security forces. Yerlikaya stated that the most important message he wanted the citizens to know was that the fight against drug traffickers would continue relentlessly and would never be stopped. Expressing that such organized crime syndicates would not be allowed to disrupt the peace of society, the minister congratulated each personnel who served with great self-sacrifice in the operations. The minister's strict and clear stance is of great importance in conveying to the public that the state's will in the fight against drugs is unbreakable. The message is given that operations of similar scale will continue to be organized in the future.