69 arrested in Istanbul drug trafficking operation
Counternarcotics police officers in Türkiye. (AA Photo)
Istanbul police conducted a large-scale operation targeting drug dealers, known locally as “street dealers” in the Esenyurt district.
The Narcotics Crime Division led the effort, with assistance from special operations teams, resulting in the arrest of 69 suspects.
Details of Istanbul operation
The operation was carried out at multiple locations, with police raiding identified addresses and vehicles simultaneously. To ensure security, special operations teams secured the entrances and exits of the targeted areas. Some premises required the use of battering rams for entry.
Items seized during raids
Authorities reported confiscating various items linked to the suspects’ criminal activities, including:
- Unregistered firearms: 2 handguns.
- Ammunition: 94 bullets.
- Drug-related equipment: 7 precision scales.
- Cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
- A quantity of illegal drugs.
All items were taken into evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
