# Crime and narcotics incidents in Istanbul

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-narcotics-incidents-in-istanbul
> Updated: 2026-08-12T14:35:41.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

In Istanbul, authorities conducted a major narcotics operation targeting a trafficking network that utilized a “baby courier” method. Police arrested suspects Damla K. and Yıldırım K. after observing a two-year-old child in a stroller being used to transport drugs. The operation resulted in the seizure of 2.11 kilograms of narcotics, including cocaine and cannabis, from a residence and a vehicle containing a hidden compartment.

Concurrently, several violent armed attacks were reported in the city. In Zeytinburnu, a suspect with 55 prior criminal records opened fire in a restaurant, wounding both the owner and a customer. In Küçükçekmece, a motorcyclist targeted a cafe, wounding a customer and the business owner. Additionally, masked individuals on a motorcycle fired upon a market in Beyoğlu, causing property damage.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Istanbul crime: Narcotics bust and multiple armed attacks

Istanbul authorities arrested drug traffickers using a baby in a stroller to smuggle narcotics and responded to several armed attacks in Zeytinburnu, Küçükçekmece, and Beyoğlu.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mula-police-detain-woman-for-setting-turkish-flag-on-fire

### 2026-08-11: Police arrest suspects in Bodrum drug bust and Nicosia rental scam

Authorities in Bodrum, Turkey, arrested two people for drug trafficking, while police in Nicosia, Cyprus, detained two suspects for a 312,000 TL fraudulent car rental scam.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/police-arrest-suspects-in-bodrum-drug-bust-and-nicosia-rental-scam

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Cite as: Crime and narcotics incidents in Istanbul. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/crime-and-narcotics-incidents-in-istanbul