ISTANBUL, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish customs authorities have seized a massive 4.3 tonnes of the narcotic drug pregabalin concealed in a truck entering Türkiye from Greece, the Trade Ministry announced on Thursday.
The seized drugs have an estimated street value of 3.025 billion liras (about 65 million U.S. dollars).
The vehicle was flagged for a detailed inspection by customs enforcement teams immediately after completing entry procedures at the Ipsala border crossing in the northwestern province of Edirne.
During the search, authorities discovered and seized the illicit shipment, which will be destroyed in accordance with legal procedures. The Ipsala Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the case.
According to the ministry, customs enforcement teams continue anti-smuggling operations at Türkiye's border crossings using advanced risk-analysis systems, technological screening equipment and specialized personnel.
The ministry said such operations play an important role in combating domestic and international drug trafficking networks. ■