Türkiye arrests 15 after major crime gang crackdown

Turkish authorities have arrested 15 people, including the alleged leader of an armed organised crime group, following a large-scale operation in the southeastern province of Diyarbakır.

Police from the Anti-Smuggling and Organised Crime Department carried out the operation to dismantle a criminal network operating in the province, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

Investigators linked the group to 16 separate criminal incidents.

The suspects face charges of establishing, leading and participating in an organised criminal group.

A total of 40 suspects, including the alleged ringleader identified by the initials A.E., were detained during the coordinated operation.

During searches, authorities seized 21.4 kilograms of marijuana, 350.5 grams of skunk cannabis, 11 units of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, three pistols and five magazines.

Following legal proceedings, a court ordered the arrest of 15 suspects, including the alleged gang leader. Twenty-four others were released under judicial supervision, while one suspect was released and the case file was referred to the court for consolidation with the broader investigation.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov