No let-up for migrant smuggling in Çanakkale: numerous detentions and goods seized

In recent days, Çanakkale Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams have conducted an intensive and decisive operation process aimed at preventing human smuggling activities. Under the coordination of the Department of Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking, 4 different medium-scale operations were planned and executed between June 26 and July 2. These operations served the purpose of identifying illegal migrant transport routes in the region and deciphering active criminal organizers.

As a result of the operations, a significant success was achieved and a serious blow was dealt to the human smuggling organization. Following physical surveillance and investigations, 1 organizer was caught and taken into custody, while a total of 37 irregular migrants attempting to migrate were stopped by security forces. Among the vehicles used in the commission of the crime and seized were an automobile stopped by security forces, a rubber dinghy, and a motor providing the driving force for the boat.

Assets identified as criminal elements were also seized within the scope of the operations. During searches, $1,800 and 4,655 Turkish Liras in cash, deemed to be of criminal nature, were seized, ensuring a disruption to the organization's financial flow. Legal procedures were initiated regarding the fate of the seized material goods; within this framework, the automobile used in human smuggling activities was returned to its owner in accordance with legal procedures.

The rubber dinghy and boat motor, which are marine vehicles used in illegal activities, were towed to the 'yed-i emin' (custody) impound lot and seized under custody to ensure safety and fulfill legal requirements. The disposal of these vehicles constitutes an important measure to prevent the commission of the same crimes again. A judicial process has been initiated against the organizer suspect who was caught, and the detention period and proceedings continue.

Identification and registration procedures were carried out for the 37 migrants caught, in accordance with legal procedures. After the completion of their administrative proceedings, these individuals were handed over to the Refugee Reception and Accommodation Center (GÖKSEM) in the Ayvacık district of Çanakkale. The migrants will complete their procedures here and be directed according to deportation or application processes. These operations once again demonstrated Çanakkale's determination in the fight against migrant smuggling.