Türkiye confirms drug trafficking arrests involving Azerbaijani citizens

The Turkish Interior Ministry has announced that two Azerbaijani citizens were arrested aboard a ship traveling from Istanbul to Sierra Leone, which was found to be carrying drugs.

On October 4, security forces from Spain and France intercepted "RAS" vessel, sailing under the Tanzanian flag, in the Atlantic Ocean near the Canary Islands, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Approximately 4 tons of cocaine were seized during the operation, resulting in the arrest of ten individuals, namely, seven Turkish nationals, two Azerbaijanis, and one Dutch citizen. The ship departed from Istanbul on July 28.

Since 2023, Türkiye has markedly increased its efforts to combat drug smuggling, recognising its pivotal role as a transit hub for illegal drugs bound for European markets. The latest initiative, Operation Narkoçelik-40, underscores the country's dedication to eradicating drug trafficking and dismantling the networks that support it.

Operation Narkoçelik-40 has led to the detention of 125 individuals involved in drug dealing and street selling.

By Naila Huseynova