Islam Yakut arrested in Istanbul after nine years as a fugitive

Turkish authorities have arrested Islam Yakut in Istanbul, a major drug kingpin responsible for supplying heroin to Europe. Yakut had been a fugitive since 2017 after escaping from a Turkish prison following a special leave period.

Investigations revealed that Yakut’s criminal organization coordinated the shipment of tons of heroin from Iran and Afghanistan to European markets. The network also facilitated the reverse flow of synthetic drugs from Europe into Turkey. Authorities noted that operations targeting this group have led to the seizure of approximately two tons of illicit substances across various international locations.

To evade detection, Yakut managed his organization from various hideouts both inside and outside of Turkey using encrypted communication platforms, specifically ANOM and SKY ECC. The arrest was a coordinated effort involving the Istanbul Prosecutor General's Office, local police, the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), and anti-drug units from the General Directorate of Security. Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek confirmed the arrest, stating that the government's priority remains targeting major drug lords.