Turkey intensifies fight against addiction and organized crime

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz attended the TRNC Addiction Combat Symposium, where he emphasized a holistic approach to fighting drug supply and demand. He noted that Turkey provides technical equipment, vehicles, and IT support to the TRNC Police General Directorate's Narcotics and Anti-Smuggling Department to enhance detection and intervention capabilities. Yılmaz highlighted that addiction has become a complex threat spanning borders and digital platforms, requiring coordination across health, security, education, and social services.

In Turkey, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi has declared 2026 as the Year of Combatting Organized Crime and Drugs. The strategy aims to dismantle criminal organizations by targeting their human resources, financing, digital infrastructure, and international connections. While security operations like 'Family is Safe' focus on protecting youth from drugs and exploitation, discussions have emerged regarding the need to address underlying socioeconomic factors, such as education and economic stability, to prevent the recurrence of crime.