1 Billion Lira Mega Drug Operation in Kapıkule: 1 Ton 153 Kilograms Seized

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Muhafaza teams conducted two highly critical separate operations at the Kapıkule Gümrük Kapısı located on the Bulgaria border. Within the scope of these operations, a total of 1 ton 153 kilograms of narcotics, hidden in TIRs attempting to enter Turkey, were seized. This massive amount, calculated to have a market value of approximately 1 billion 37 million Türk Lirası, represents one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. Following the incident, a comprehensive judicial investigation process was officially launched under the instructions of the Edirne Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı. Authorities announced that efforts continue uninterruptedly to prevent illegal trade and expose criminal organizations.

The first operation occurred when a suspicious TIR arriving at the customs area to enter Turkey was stopped. Proceeding in line with security protocols and risk criteria, the teams directed the vehicle to the X-Ray system to be scanned with X-ray devices. During this detailed X-Ray scan, abnormal densities and suspicious traces were detected in certain parts of the vehicle. Upon this, Gümrükler Muhafaza teams immediately launched an operation to physically search the vehicle thoroughly. In this comprehensive search, 526 kilograms 327 grams of cannabis, skillfully hidden inside 450 separate packages, were discovered.

While the shock effect of the first operation continued, the same teams carried out a new operation shortly after, based on a second tip-off and risk assessment. Another TIR, also arriving at the Kapıkule Gümrük Sahası with the aim of entering Turkey, was found to be suspicious upon careful inspection and was subjected to a detailed search. As a result of the meticulous and hours-long work of the customs protection officers, a massive drug stash was uncovered in this vehicle as well. In the physical search conducted, exactly 626 kilograms 944 grams of narcotics, compressed inside 530 packages, were seized. This second operation once again demonstrated how vital the security measures at customs gates are.

The fact that the total net weight of the narcotics seized in both operations reached 1 ton 153 kilograms brought about suspicions that the matter is based on an international crime network. The calculation that the street market value of the drugs is approximately 1 billion 37 million Türk Lirası shows how critical a success was achieved in terms of protecting public health by preventing them. In the initial assessments made by authorities, it was stated that the seized substances were sent to laboratory analyses and detailed examinations were ongoing. The Edirne Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı, which has been monitoring the situation from the beginning and is personally conducting the investigation, has taken a broad-scale step to identify the other members of the network.

These successful operations prove how effectively the modern technology and expert personnel employment applied by Turkey at its border gates yield results. The joint use of X-Ray scanning systems and risk analysis mechanisms was the biggest factor in the detection of these tons of hidden drugs. Gümrükler Muhafaza teams protect the country's entry points like a shield, largely preventing the smuggling of illegal substances. The judicial processes regarding the interrogation of the suspects taken into custody in connection with the mentioned seizures, and the exposure of all connections in the background of the incident, are continuing at full speed.