Operation Mercek-27: Türkiye foils massive arms smuggling nationwide VIDEO

Türkiye has successfully carried out Operation Mercek-27, targeting arms smuggling and illegal weapon possession across all 81 provinces.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the operation's results on his social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

8️⃣1️⃣ ilde son 1️⃣ hafta içinde “Ruhsatsız Silah Taşıyanlara” ve “Silah Kaçakçılarına” yönelik düzenlenen “MERCEK-27” operasyonlarında;

📍1️⃣.1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Ruhsatsız Tabanca,
📍5️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ Kurusıkıdan Çevrilmiş Tabanca,
📍2️⃣6️⃣ Uzun Namlulu Tüfek ve
📍6️⃣3️⃣2️⃣ Ruhsatsız Av Tüfeği olmak üzere… pic.twitter.com/oJGNcqobP2

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) November 7, 2024

During the extensive operation, authorities seized a total of 2,274 firearms and took action against 1 664 individuals suspected of involvement in arms trafficking and the illegal carrying of weapons.

"There is a very important point I would like to highlight: that is "prevention." In other words, preventing crime before it occurs," Yerlikaya stressed.

Moreover, Yerlikaya emphasised the necessity of a united effort in the fight against illegal firearms, recognising it as crucial for the peace and security of the nation. 

He called for a collective struggle, urging every member of society—whether Civil Society Organisations, media representatives, opinion leaders, or ordinary citizens such as shopkeepers, teachers, and parents—to join forces in this vital cause.

"The fight against illegal firearms is of great importance in terms of both public safety and reducing crime rates," the minister stressed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev