ISTANBUL, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces detained 305 suspected drug dealers on Tuesday in large-scale operations, targeting narcotics networks operating through encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the raids were carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, led by the Istanbul Police Department's Narcotics Crimes Unit, with support from cybercrime teams.
He said the five-month investigation uncovered sophisticated trafficking networks. Dealers formed end-to-end encrypted groups and relied on trusted couriers to distribute drugs through organized channels.
Cybercrime units accessed communications in these closed, membership-only groups, allowing police to identify suspects acting as "administrators" and "moderators" in the digital drug trade.
Following the findings, simultaneous raids were launched in 14 provinces, including major cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.
"Fighting drugs is not only a matter of internal security," Yerlikaya said. "It is a global security struggle. We have declared an all-out war on narcotics -- not only for our country, but for humanity."
The minister stressed that Türkiye will continue its nationwide campaign against drug trafficking networks, both on the streets and across digital platforms. ■