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Turkey and Cyprus law enforcement conduct major narcotics operations
Law enforcement agencies in Turkey and Cyprus have conducted a series of major narcotics operations, resulting in numerous arrests and large-scale drug seizures.
In Turkey, the Ministry of Interior reported a significant rise in synthetic drug seizures, noting a 60-fold increase between 2019 and 2025. Recent operations in Istanbul saw 188 suspects detained and 551 kilograms of methamphetamine seized over a three-day period. In Mersin, authorities arrested 163 suspects and seized over 328,000 drug pills between September 14 and 20. Other notable Turkish operations included a seizure of 20.26 kilograms of methamphetamine at Istanbul Airport arriving from Bangkok, and an operation in Konya where three foreign nationals were arrested for swallowing methamphetamine capsules to smuggle 1,203 grams of the substance. In Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep, a joint operation led to the seizure of 19,288 synthetic pills and 10 arrests.
In Cyprus, police operations in Nicosia, Ercan Airport, and Kyrenia resulted in the arrest of eight individuals. Seizures included 600 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, cannabis, ecstasy, and cocaine. Additionally, a firearm and ammunition were recovered during an operation in Kyrenia.
Entities
Arnavutköy · Bağcılar · Cyprus Police · Ercan Airport · Esenyurt · Istanbul · Istanbul Airport · Istanbul Police Department · Kahramanmaraş Provincial Gendarmerie Command · Konya Police Department · Kırklareli Chief Public Prosecutor's Office · Mersin Governor's Office
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Synthetic drug seizures in Turkey increased approximately 60-fold between 2019 and 2025. halktv.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An operation in Kahramanmaraş and Gaziantep led to the seizure of 19,288 synthetic pills and the arrest of 10 suspects. www.marasbugun.com.tr
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Customs officials at Istanbul Airport seized 20.26 kilograms of methamphetamine arriving from Bangkok. www.cumhuriyet.com.tr
- [● 3 SOURCES] In Sarayönü, Konya, three foreign nationals were arrested for smuggling 1,203 grams of methamphetamine by swallowing capsules. www.konyayenigun.com · www.konhaber.com · www.sondakika.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Police in Nicosia, Ercan, and Kyrenia arrested 8 people during drug and weapon operations. www.dijigazete.net · www.kibrisgercek.com · sondakikakibris.com · www.gundemkibris.com · www.yeniduzen.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An operation in Kırklareli targeting cargo and 'drop' drug trafficking methods resulted in 8 arrests and the seizure of several kilograms of narcotics. www.gazetebirlik.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Between September 14 and 20, Mersin authorities arrested 163 suspects and seized over 328,000 drug pills. www.yenialanya.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Between September 21 and 23, Istanbul police detained 188 suspects and seized 551 kilograms of methamphetamine. www.haberport.com