Massive drug bust in Istanbul: Police seizes over million pills VIDEO

Turkish authorities have announced a major anti-narcotics operation in Istanbul that led to the seizure of large quantities of illegal drugs and raw materials used in drug production.

According to a statement by Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, coordinated efforts between the General Directorate of Security’s Narcotics Crime Directorate and the Istanbul Police Department resulted in the confiscation of 381 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.085 million narcotic pills, 142 kilograms of raw materials (sufficient to produce approximately 14 tons of synthetic cannabinoids known locally as “bonsai”), and 203.5 kilograms of chemical additives, Caliber.Az reports.

The operations were carried out last week across several districts, including Büyükçekmece, Fatih, Bağcılar, Sultangazi, and Beylikdüzü, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects.

Yerlikaya emphasised that the operation reflects Türkiye's ongoing commitment to combating drug trafficking and protecting public health.

By Sabina Mammadli