11 People Detained in Operation Targeting Street Vendors in Ordu

A comprehensive operation aimed at preventing drug trade in the province of Ordu has been successfully concluded thanks to the successful efforts of the security forces. Coordinated by the Ordu Chief Public Prosecutor's Office and meticulously carried out by the Ordu Provincial Police Department Narcotic Crimes Branch teams, simultaneous raids were conducted in the Altınordu district. The focal point of the operation was individuals known as street vendors who deliver drugs to the end user without intermediaries. Based on planning and intelligence work, simultaneous raids were carried out on identified addresses and a large number of suspects were detained. This operation was conducted as a requirement of the zero-tolerance principle against drug use and trafficking in the region.

When looking at the details of the operation, it is seen that the security forces effectively seized not only the suspects but also material evidence. During the search and seizure operations, the teams seized a total of 342.5 grams of bonzai raw material, 34.12 grams of processed bonzai, 2.97 grams of methamphetamine, and 1.50 grams of marijuana. In addition, it was revealed that there were suspects carrying unlicensed weapons alongside drug trafficking, along with 45 pills known as synthetic drugs. During the searches, 1 unlicensed pistol, 2 smooth-bore hunting rifles, and 74 rounds of 9x19 millimeter ammunition belonging to these weapons were handed over to the security forces. These findings indicate that the seized suspects were not limited to drug trafficking but could also point to an armed criminal organization structure.

With the start of the judicial processes, 15 detainees were sent to the Ordu Courthouse and brought before a judge. In the judicial interrogations of the suspects, the evidence regarding their guilt and their statements were evaluated. Following the examination and defenses, the court decided to detain 11 suspects on the grounds that they committed the qualified form of the crime of 'drug trading'. The detained individuals were sent to prison and the investigation and prosecution processes regarding them will continue, while the remaining suspects were handled differently.

Regarding the other suspects for whom a detention decision was not made, different legal proceedings were applied by the judicial authorities. 2 suspects, whose statements were taken and whose evidence situation was taken into consideration, were released to be freed. Regarding the remaining 2 suspects, it was decided that detention was not necessary, but they were released under judicial control conditions to be kept under supervision throughout the judicial process. Judicial control conditions generally involve obligations such as a ban on traveling abroad or signing at regular intervals. This distinction was shaped according to the degree of the suspects' involvement with the crime and the existing evidence.

Authorities emphasized that this type of operation was not a one-time event and that the fight against drugs throughout the province would continue uninterruptedly. The Ordu Provincial Police Department stated that they would continue their work resolutely to decode the networks supplying drugs as well as street vendors. While citizens were called upon to be sensitive and report on this issue, it was stated that the goal was to ensure safety throughout the province and to protect young people from the influence of drug dealers. It was conveyed that similar operations would continue frequently in the future.