ISTANBUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities said Wednesday that they have arrested 13 suspects linked to organized crime networks responsible for distributing and trading more than 10 tonnes of narcotics in Türkiye and abroad.
The Istanbul Police Department said in a statement that the simultaneous operation, led by Istanbul units, extended to 10 provinces across Türkiye. The raids targeted addresses identified through months of investigation in coordination with the Turkish authorities and Europol member countries.
During the operation, police confiscated 135 properties, 47 vehicles, and the shares of 42 companies linked to the suspects, believed to be proceeds of their criminal activities.
The arrested individuals were taken into custody for questioning as investigations continue. Officials said the operation reflects Türkiye's intensified efforts to dismantle organized drug networks operating both domestically and internationally.
Türkiye has long struggled with international drug trafficking, and its security forces regularly conduct operations to combat drug abuse and smuggling. ■