Major drug operation spanning 4 provinces centered in Istanbul targets dealers to kingpins

Teams from the Istanbul Police Department Narcotics Crimes Branch conducted a large-scale operation between June 15 and June 30, covering Istanbul as well as the provinces of Tekirdağ, Gümüşhane, and Kocaeli. Simultaneous raids targeting suspects identified as being involved in drug trafficking at national and international levels struck a blow against a network ranging from street-level dealers known as “torbacı” to the top management of the criminal organization. Numerous addresses were raided during the operations in an effort to dismantle the chain structure of drug trafficking.

The tangible results of the operations proved to be both impressive and concerning in their scale; security forces seized a total of 1 ton 45 kilograms of various types of drugs. Additionally, 173,000 drug pills ready for distribution and 2 long-barreled firearms used as elements of violence by the criminal organization were safely confiscated by the teams. It was noted that the amount of drugs seized demonstrates the dimensions of the dangerous trade targeting the youth and future of society.

While the number of suspects processed within the scope of the operations reached 80, legal proceedings were swiftly initiated. It was stated that the statement procedures of 54 of the detained suspects are continuing at police units, and the necessary legal actions will be taken by the judicial authorities. On the other hand, 26 of the suspects were arrested by the courts they were referred to and placed in prison, indicating the legal success of the operation and the strength of the evidence.

Istanbul Police Chief Selami Yıldız exhibited the seized drugs and weapons to the press in a presentation held at the Vatan Caddesi Yerleşkesi in Fatih today. In his statement there, Yıldız emphasized the state's determination in combating narcotics once again, stating that this war is carried out not just for the city of Istanbul, but for the sake of all humanity and the future of society. The Police Chief summarized the operations targeting every tier of the organization with the phrase “from its dealer to its kingpin” and expressed their goal of severing the links of the crime chain one by one.

It was announced that although the operation was planned centered in Istanbul, its geographical scope was broad, with address-based raids also conducted in Kocaeli, Tekirdağ, and Gümüşhane provinces. Security sources stated that they continue to examine the telephone and financial connections between the suspects in detail, and that the operation is not limited to the dimension of apprehension, but is being deepened towards decoding the financial and logistical networks of drug trafficking. These studies were stated to be of great importance in terms of preventing similar crimes in the future.