Turkish authorities dismantle drug operation in Istanbul with massive pill seizure

In a major blow to illegal drug trafficking networks, Turkish law enforcement authorities have seized 750,000 narcotic tablets during a targeted operation in Istanbul.

The successful raid was announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya via a statement on his official social media account on X, Caliber.Az reports.

Gençlerimizi zehirlemek için hazırlanan 750 bin uyuşturucu hap, İstanbul’da Emniyet güçlerimizin hızlı ve kararlı operasyonuyla yakalandı❗️

📍 İstanbul Emniyet Müdürlüğü Narkotik Suçlarla Mücadele Şube Müdürlüğümüzün, İstihbarat Şube Müdürlüğümüz ile koordineli olarak yürüttüğü… pic.twitter.com/0osG6U4D8r

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) August 27, 2025

According to Minister Yerlikaya, the coordinated operation was carried out across multiple locations, including four addresses and one vehicle in the Esenler and Bağcılar districts of the city—areas often monitored due to elevated criminal activity.

"As a result of comprehensive searches conducted at these sites, a total of 750,000 narcotic pills—packaged in 30 boxes—were confiscated," Yerlikaya stated. He also confirmed that three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the case.

By Vafa Guliyeva