Türkiye leads joint operation with Spain to stop 1.7-ton cocaine shipment VIDEO

In a major international drug bust, Turkish Customs Enforcement uncovered 1.7 tons of cocaine hidden in a shipment of “fossil flour” sent from South America to Spain, which had transited through İstanbul’s Ambarlı Port.

According to the Turkish press, the container was intercepted and inspected by teams from the General Directorate of Customs Enforcement in Türkiye, who flagged the shipment as high-risk. Authorities then arranged for a controlled delivery of the container to Spain.

The operation, carried out jointly with the Spanish National Police, resulted in the arrest of three individuals in Madrid who attempted to collect the narcotics. The suspects are members of an organised crime group.

Güney Amerika'dan İspanya'ya gönderilen ve transit geçişle İstanbul Ambarlı Limanı'na ulaşan "fosil unu" yüklü konteynerde, 1,7 ton fosil ununa emdirilmiş kokain tespit edildi.

▪️ Gümrük Muhafaza ekipleri ile İspanya Polisi'nin ortak takibiyle Madrid'de düzenlenen operasyonda,… pic.twitter.com/On4RJdB5W0

— Türkiye Gazetesi (@turkiyegazetesi) October 14, 2025

According to Turkish authorities, the container was closely monitored from its arrival at Ambarlı Port, and detailed inspections revealed that cocaine had been infused into 1.7 tons of the fossil flour. Following this discovery, the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Türkiye launched a formal investigation. 

To ensure that all aspects of the drug trafficking attempt were fully uncovered, a controlled delivery was authorised. The container reached the Port of Barcelona under joint surveillance by Turkish Customs Enforcement and the Spanish National Police.

Once in Spain, the authorities tracked the container’s movements, culminating in the Madrid operation where the three organised crime members were apprehended as they attempted to collect the drugs.

This case is considered a strong example of international cooperation in combating global drug trafficking. The investigation continues under the Büyükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, while units of the Turkish General Directorate of Customs Enforcement continue their efforts both domestically and internationally to combat narcotics smuggling that threatens public health and safety.

By Tamilla Hasanova