Turkey seizes multi‑ton illegal drug shipments in coordinated customs and police operations

Turkish Customs (Gümrükler Muhafaza) disclosed several large‑scale drug seizures. At Mersin Port, a container from Pakistan yielded over 9 tons of tramadol‑containing medication worth about 7‑8 billion lira, and a field operation uncovered more than 1.7 tons of pregabalin‑type substances valued at roughly 2 billion lira. At the Ağrı‑Gürbulak border crossing, an Iranian‑origin truck was searched with detection dogs, leading to the confiscation of 273 kg of methamphetamine estimated at 1.025 billion lira. In Edirne’s İpsala border post, officials intercepted 4.3 tons of pregabalin, valued at approximately 3.025 billion lira. Parallel police work in Bursa resulted in the arrest of several suspects, including the seizure of 40.8 g of methamphetamine, a precision scale, cash, and a rifle. An Interpol red‑notice fugitive serving a 12‑year drug‑trafficking sentence was also captured after a month‑long surveillance operation. The agencies highlighted the use of advanced risk‑analysis systems, technology‑enhanced inspections, and specialized detection dogs in dismantling drug networks and protecting public health and security.