Türkiye launches operation NARKOKAPAN-2 to combat drug dealers in Istanbul VIDEO
An operation named NARKOKAPAN-2 has been carried out in Türkiye as part of the ongoing fight against illegal drug trafficking.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on his X page that the operation targeted drug dealers in the Esenyurt and Başakşehir districts of Istanbul.
İstanbul’da Zehir Tacirlerine yönelik düzenlenen “NARKOKAPAN-2” operasyonunda;
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) December 12, 2024
⛔️ 95,5 kg metamfetamin,
⛔️ 74 kg kokain ve
⛔️ 1 milyon 16 bin 400 adet Uyuşturucu Hap ele geçirildi❗️
⚠️Operasyonda 2’si yabancı uyruklu olmak üzere zehir taciri 8 şüpheli yakalandı ve tamamı… pic.twitter.com/yeoYnpHSfW
According to Yerlikaya, eight suspects, including two foreign drug traffickers, were arrested and have since been taken into custody.
During the operation, authorities seized 95.5 kilograms of synthetic drugs, 74 kilograms of cocaine, and 1,016,400 psychotropic tablets.
Türkiye, due to its strategic location at the crossroads of heroin production in Afghanistan and consumption markets in Europe, faces significant challenges from both licit and illicit goods. The country’s counter-narcotics policy is based on three pillars: combating domestic distribution networks, dismantling international trafficking routes, and addressing terrorism financing through drug smuggling, particularly linked to the PKK.
Over recent years, Türkiye has seized nearly 20% of the world’s heroin, often collaborating with European and global law enforcement.
In addition to drug trafficking, Türkiye is addressing rising methamphetamine and ecstasy trade. Operations with international partners such as the US, UK, and Malaysia have led to substantial drug seizures.
Türkiye also plays a key role in drug law enforcement training through its Turkish International Academy against Drugs and Organized Crime (TADOC), recognized by the UN as a “Center of Excellence.” TADOC has trained nearly 9,000 officers from 88 countries since its inception.
Türkiye’s efforts extend to addressing new substances and drug-related demand reduction through the Turkish Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (TUBİM). TUBİM also develops national strategies, monitors emerging drugs, and promotes public awareness.
Through extensive international cooperation and domestic initiatives, Türkiye remains a significant player in the global fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
By Aghakazim Guliyev