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Turkish Customs and Trade Protection teams seized a total of 1.3 tons of marijuana worth approximately ₺809 million ($19.3 million) in two separate operations conducted in Tekirdag and Edirne provinces, the Ministry of Commerce announced Saturday.
The Tekirdag and Ipsala Customs Protection, Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate teams conducted the operations based on narcotic risk analysis and targeting efforts. Detailed searches resulted in the seizure of 1 ton 153 kilograms of marijuana at the Tekirdag Customs Zone and 173 kilograms at the Ipsala Customs Gate, totaling 1 ton 326 kilograms.
"The market value of the seized drugs was determined to be approximately 809 million Turkish lira," according to ministry statements.
The Tekirdag and Ipsala Customs Protection, Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate teams identified suspicious vehicles attempting to enter Türkiye through the customs zones.
Through targeted surveillance based on risk analysis and intelligence work, teams tracked the vehicles and conducted detailed searches.
The operations were part of ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling at the country's borders. Both operations targeted vehicles attempting entry into Turkish territory at the customs checkpoints.
Investigations related to the seized drugs are being conducted by the Tekirdag and Ipsala Chief Prosecutors' Offices with diligence and attention to detail, according to ministry statements.
The ministry statement emphasized commitment to drug trafficking prevention: "This struggle conducted with the aim of protecting our family and social structure, which is the essential element of our national integrity, protecting our youth and our future, is continuing without interruption with a zero-tolerance understanding."
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