ISTANBUL, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- A police officer and a suspected drug trafficker were killed Monday morning during an anti-drug operation in Istanbul, as Türkiye intensifies nationwide efforts against illegal drug networks.
The incident took place around 7:30 a.m. local time (0430 GMT) in the Cekmekoy district on the city's Asian side, according to the Istanbul Governor's Office. Police units had launched an anti-drug raid at a residential property when they came under gunfire from inside the building.
Special Operations officer Emre Albayrak sustained critical injuries in the shootout and later died in a local hospital. The suspected shooter was also killed, while two additional individuals were taken into custody.
In a separate statement, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said operations targeting drug traffickers have intensified across 72 provinces over the past week. A total of 970 suspects have been detained, with 352 kilograms of narcotics and more than 4.15 million drug pills seized.
Türkiye, used by illegal drug dealers as a transit hub to European markets, has stepped up its efforts to combat drug use and trafficking. Heightened border inspections and nationwide crackdowns have resulted in significant seizures and the arrest of several suspects.
However, drug consumption is on the rise in Türkiye despite harsh legislation and government efforts, especially among young urbanites, according to media reports.
"Efforts to dismantle narcotics networks will continue with determination and without compromise," said Yerlikaya. ■