Two high-profile drug trafficking suspects extradited to Türkiye from UAE VIDEO

Two high-profile fugitives wanted on drug trafficking and money laundering charges have been extradited to Türkiye from the United Arab Emirates, following a coordinated international law enforcement operation.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X that Abdullah Alp Üstün, known by the alias “Don Vito,” and Hasan Lala, both wanted under international notices, were successfully apprehended and returned to Türkiye on the morning of October, Caliber.Az reports. 

🟥 Kırmızı Bültenle uluslararası seviyede aranan "Don Vito" lakaplı uyuşturucu baronu Abdullah Alp Üstün’le
❌ Kırmızı Difüzyon Mesajıyla uluslararası seviyede aranan uyuşturucu organize suç örgütü üyesi Hasan Lala isimli şahsın Birleşik Arap Emirlikleri'nde yakalanmaları ve bu… pic.twitter.com/xRld5WaFQY

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) October 11, 2025

Üstün, the alleged leader of the transnational criminal organisation known as “CHROOKE,” was the subject of a Red Notice from Interpol. He is accused of money laundering, trafficking of narcotics and stimulant substances, and establishing a criminal organisation for the purpose of committing serious crimes.

Hasan Lala, reportedly in charge of the group’s financial and fiscal operations, was wanted with a Red Diffusion (Urgent Arrest Message) for membership in a criminal organisation, drug importation, and money laundering.

The arrests were made possible through a multi-agency operation involving Turkish General Directorate of Security, including its Interpol-Europol, Narcotics Crime Investigation, and Intelligence Departments, in collaboration with UAE security forces and the Istanbul Provincial Police Directorate. The extradition was further supported by Turkish Aviation Department and Special Operations units.

By Sabina Mammadli