Turkish police detained 42 suspects on Tuesday in a crackdown across 13 provinces on an international drug network linked to over 10 tonnes of narcotics, the Turkish Interior Ministry said, Xinhua reports.
The Istanbul-centered operation involved 2,000 police officers and was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, with support from Interpol-Europol, the ministry said in a statement.
By analyzing encrypted communication data, investigators exposed the network's links to the trafficking of heroin, cannabis and cocaine, totaling 10.1 tonnes of illicit drugs.
The crime ring was found to have organized drug production, shipments and distribution across multiple countries and Turkish provinces. Its ringleaders managed international transport logistics and chemical supplies, said the statement.
Authorities also seized crime-related assets worth over 7.65 billion Turkish liras (about 153 million U.S. dollars), including bank accounts and crypto assets belonging to 163 individuals, 556 properties, 155 motor vehicles, and stakes in 71 companies.
Türkiye's location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East makes it a key transit route for illegal drug smuggling, prompting authorities to step up counter-narcotics operations in recent months.
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