172 suspects arrested in major anti-drug raids across six Turkish provinces

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that 172 suspects have been arrested in a major anti-drug operation spanning six provinces, including Istanbul, with 548 kilograms of narcotics seized.

In a statement shared on social media, Yerlikaya said the coordinated raids targeted street-level drug dealers in Istanbul, Kirklareli, Van, Hatay, Diyarbakir, and Isparta.

Over half a ton of drugs seized in operations across Türkiye

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

• 325 kilograms of heroin
• 172 kilograms of synthetic drugs
• 51 kilograms of synthetic stimulants

A total of 185 individuals were taken into custody. Of those, 172 were formally arrested, while 13 were placed under judicial supervision, the minister confirmed.

Turkish security officers from the Police Special Operations Department during an operation on 25 June, 2025. (Photo via X/@AliYerlikaya)

'A fight for our future'

Yerlikaya praised the efforts of local governors, prosecutors, and law enforcement officers involved in the operation, particularly the Istanbul Provincial Security Directorate.

"Every operation and every seized substance is a step in our struggle to protect our future," Yerlikaya stated. "Keeping our youth away from drugs is a shared responsibility. We are fulfilling this duty with unity, solidarity, and a spirit of national mobilization," he concluded.

June 25, 2025 02:50 PM GMT+03:00