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Turkish police arrested eight people, including a suspect wanted on an Interpol red notice, during a drug operation in Istanbul's Sariyer district that uncovered weapons hidden in a guitar case, authorities said.
The raid took place Monday evening, Sept. 1, after motorized police units conducting routine checks on Huzur neighborhood streets stopped a suspicious motorcyclist and discovered cocaine on the driver.
Following the initial arrest, police tracked the drugs to a residential apartment where they discovered a Kalashnikov rifle concealed in a guitar case, along with two unlicensed pistols, two bulletproof vests, 43 rounds of ammunition, 6.62 grams of cocaine and 3.80 grams of marijuana.
Security camera footage captured one suspect carrying the guitar case containing the assault rifle into the residence.
Among those arrested was Eric J., who authorities identified as being wanted on an Interpol red notice. Police said necessary procedures have been initiated regarding his international warrant status.
The eight suspects detained in the operation were identified as Burak A., Dogus C., Halit E., Huseyin E., Muhammet Samil S., Timur I., Eric J. and Omur Gazi Y.
After processing at police headquarters, four suspects were released at the prosecutor's discretion. The remaining four were referred to court.
Burak A., Timur I. and Dogus C. appeared in court on drug trafficking charges and were released under judicial supervision conditions. Muhammet Samil S. was arrested and sent to prison for violations of firearms laws.
The Sariyer District Police Patrol Unit launched the operation after the motorcycle with license plate 34 GBJ 552 aroused suspicion during the routine street patrol.
The suspect's statement led police to the apartment in the residential building where the weapons and additional drugs were discovered during the search.
Turkish authorities have not released additional details about the specific charges in Eric J.'s Interpol warrant or which country issued the original arrest request.
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