Law enforcement conducts major drug crackdowns in Turkey and Northern Cyprus

Law enforcement agencies in Turkey and Northern Cyprus have conducted extensive anti-drug operations, resulting in numerous arrests and significant seizures.

In Northern Cyprus, police conducted operations in Gönyeli, Girne, and İskele, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Seized substances included cocaine and cannabis.

In Turkey, a massive coordinated operation spanning 71 provinces resulted in the seizure of 843.5 kilograms of drugs and over 2.3 million narcotic pills. This nationwide effort led to 807 arrests and 187 judicial control orders. In specific regions, the Gendarmerie seized 265 kilograms of skunk in Hakkari and Samsun, resulting in three arrests.

Local police reports also highlighted successful enforcement in Gümüşhane, where nine wanted individuals were apprehended, and in Bandırma, where drug-related arrests increased by over 25 percent during the first eight months of 2026. In Osmaniye, gendarmerie operations led to the seizure of various weapons, explosives, and narcotics, with 136 suspects detained over a one-week period.