Major Blow to Drugs in İstanbul: 116 Kilos of Methamphetamine Seized

Teams from the İstanbul Police Department's Narcotics Crime Combat Division conducted a comprehensive operation against drug trafficking networks across the city. In simultaneous raids carried out at identified addresses in the Şişli, Esenler, and Esenyurt districts, a total of 116 kilos and 390 grams of methamphetamine were seized. During the operation, over 34 kilos of skunk, 249 synthetic pills, and 10 grams of opium gum were also seized by security forces. In searches conducted at the suspects' addresses, 39 kilos and 700 grams of chemical additives, believed to be used in drug production, were also found. This operation, which disrupted the drug traffic in the area, was recorded as part of a determined fight against dealers targeting the youth.

Security units conducted months of technical and physical surveillance to expose the activities of the criminal organizations in question. Following the completion of this comprehensive preparation phase, a decision was made to launch simultaneous operations at 4 separate addresses and one vehicle on 6 and 7 July. Special operations and narcotics teams also supported the operation, preventing the perpetrators from escaping. As a result of detailed searches in the raided locations, various equipment and apparatuses used in drug manufacturing were identified. Additionally, 8 precision scales, thought to be used for measuring and packaging, 2 pistols, and 34 cartridges were seized. In the efforts targeting criminal proceeds, 3 bin 200 lira in cash was found hidden at the suspects' addresses.

Within the scope of the operation, the criminal elements found during the searches were immediately confiscated for examination. Police teams sent digital materials such as phones and computers, seized to uncover the digital dimension of the drug trade, for criminal analysis. These steps are expected to reveal the network's scale and other potential connections. After the detained suspects were taken to the police department, official judicial proceedings were initiated against them for the crime of 'manufacturing and trafficking of drugs or stimulants.' With the deepening of the investigations, it is emphasized that the scope of the operation may expand further, and new detentions may come to the agenda.

As a result of the operation, a total of 7 suspects, including 1 child, were detained and interrogated. According to the latest information obtained from police sources, it was reported that 2 of the suspects will be referred to the courthouse after the completion of their interrogation processes. It was learned that statement processes and the investigation are continuing uninterruptedly for the other 5 suspects. Authorities find the involvement of a child in such crimes concerning and emphasize the need to protect the youth. Based on the statements of the detained suspects, the aim is to resolve the supply and distribution channels of drug networks in İstanbul in more detail.

Authorities from the İstanbul Police Department clearly stated that the increasing number of drug operations recently is not a coincidence and will continue with determination. Intelligence, technical surveillance, and fieldwork targeting drug dealers who target the youth and darken their futures across the city continue uninterruptedly without any disruption. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that seizing such substances before they hit the market is a highly critical success in terms of protecting public health. Security forces sent the message that all kinds of illegal activities trying to disturb public peace and poison the streets will be cut off. Stating that all segments of society should be sensitive on this issue and inform authorities in suspicious situations, the public was asked to support the security forces.