Türkiye tightens grip on shadow gun trade 44 detained in raids

Dozens of suspected arms dealers have been detained in Türkiye following a coordinated crackdown on the illegal weapons trade, authorities said.

The gendarmerie in Tokat province launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the import and sale of firearms on the black market, according to the Turkish state broadcaster.

As part of the investigation, simultaneous raids were carried out at 59 addresses across Tokat, Istanbul, Sivas and Konya.

Officials said the operation led to the seizure of a cache of weapons, including 11 pistols, 11 gas and signal pistols, and 15 hunting rifles. Authorities also recovered 20 rifles with erased serial numbers, along with ammunition and components such as nearly 2,000 rounds, stocks, barrels and other firearm parts.

A total of 44 suspects were detained during the raids. Two additional individuals remain at large, with arrest warrants issued as the search continues, authorities added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev