Istanbul airport seizes over 400 kg of narcotics during routine inspection

Turkish customs authorities have seized cargo smuggling over 400 kilograms of narcotics during a routine inspection at the Istanbul Airport.

A total of 455.2 kilograms were seized from 40 separate boxes that were sent to the airport from abroad and destined for a third country, Caliber.Az reports citing Turkish media.

According to information released by the local prosecution office, the market value of the cocaine-type narcotics is estimated to be over 1 billion Turkish lira (approx. $26 million).

Ticaret Bakanlığı Gümrükler Muhafaza Posta/Kargo NARKOKİM Ekipleri’nin İstanbul Havalimanı-Kargo-Eşya bölümünde düzenlediği operasyonda 455,2 kilo kokain cinsi uyuşturucu madde ele geçirdi.

Olayla ilgili soruşturma Gaziosmanpaşa Cumhuriyet Başsavcılığı nezdinde devam etmektedir. pic.twitter.com/uMRt0zYgsC

— T.C. Ticaret Bakanlığı (@ticaret) April 5, 2025

An official statement released via the Türkiye’s Trade Ministry’s social media platform has confirmed the successful interception of a large narcotics shipment at Istanbul Airport. The seizure follows a meticulous analysis and targeting process carried out by the Istanbul Airport Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate.

The shipment, which originated from abroad and was destined for transit through Türkiye, aroused suspicion during routine checks, prompting a detailed inspection. Upon further examination, it was determined that the cargo contained illegal narcotics.

Specialized NARKOKIM teams, which operate under the customs enforcement unit, were deployed to thoroughly investigate the suspicious cargo. Their efforts led to the identification and seizure of the narcotic substances.

This successful interception is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Trade's General Directorate of Customs Enforcement to strengthen the country’s anti-narcotics measures. In line with this goal, the Department of Combating Narcotic Crimes was established, and NARKOKIM units were set up at key locations, including Van, Kocaeli, Gurbulak, Istanbul, Mersin, and Edirne. These specialized teams operate around the clock within the Intelligence Coordination for Smuggling (KIM) network to ensure a more effective and targeted approach in the fight against narcotics trafficking.

By Nazrin Sadigova