Haspolat meat smuggling operation leads to arrests and seizure of 5.8 tons of illegal lamb

Police in Northern Cyprus have expanded an investigation into a large-scale illegal meat smuggling operation known as the ‘Karkas Operasyonu’. Authorities seized 5,880 kilograms of lamb carcasses, valued at approximately 7.9 million TL, which were reportedly smuggled from Southern Cyprus through a military prohibited zone in the Büyük Kaymaklı region.

Two suspects, identified as İ. K. and P. B., have been arrested in connection with the case. During the investigation, police conducted searches at warehouses and butcher shops in Tepebaşı, Girne, and Ozanköy, discovering additional meat marked with seals that did not belong to the Northern Cyprus Veterinary Department.

Due to concerns regarding public health, the seized meat was destroyed under the supervision of the Değirmenlik Municipality. The investigation remains ongoing as police examine electronic devices seized during the operation.