# Northern Cyprus illegal meat smuggling investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/northern-cyprus-illegal-meat-smuggling-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-17T21:39:58.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Authorities in Northern Cyprus are conducting an investigation known as the ‘Karkas Operasyonu’ into a large-scale illegal meat smuggling operation. The investigation follows the interception of a refrigerated truck on the Nicosia-Demirhan highway carrying 5,880 kilograms of lamb carcasses, valued at approximately 7.9 million Turkish Lira. The meat was reportedly smuggled from Southern Cyprus through a military prohibited zone in the Büyük Kaymaklı region. Two suspects, identified as İ. K. and P. B., have been arrested for allegedly acting in partnership to transport the prohibited goods. Police searches of warehouses, cold storage facilities, and butcher shops in Tepebaşı, Girne, and Ozanköy uncovered additional meat products, including legs and ribs, that lacked official seals from the Northern Cyprus Veterinary Department. Due to public health concerns, the seized meat was destroyed under the supervision of the Değirmenlik Municipality. The investigation remains ongoing as police examine seized electronic devices. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: Northern Cyprus police seize 6 tons of smuggled lamb meat Two suspects were arrested in Northern Cyprus after police seized over 6 tons of illegally smuggled lamb meat valued at nearly 8 million Turkish Lira. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northern-cyprus-police-seize-6-tons-of-smuggled-lamb-meat ### 2026-09-15: Haspolat meat smuggling operation leads to arrests and seizure of 5.8 tons of illegal lamb Police in Northern Cyprus arrested two suspects after seizing nearly 6 tons of illegal lamb carcasses valued at 7.9 million TL, smuggled through a military prohibited zone. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/haspolat-meat-smuggling-case-reaches-court --- Cite as: Northern Cyprus illegal meat smuggling investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/northern-cyprus-illegal-meat-smuggling-investigation