Turkey’s War on Drugs: Unearthing the Hidden Aspects

Turkey’s War on Drugs: Unearthing the Hidden Aspects

Seizure of Narcotics at Istanbul Ambarli Port

In an impressive operation, Turkish Customs Protection teams seized a substantial amount of drugs at the Istanbul Ambarli Port. The narcotics, discovered inside a container, were identified as captagon-type, an amphetamine typically associated with illicit drug trades. The 2.4 million seized narcotics weighed 424 kilograms and were valued at 180 million lira. Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat took to social media to announce the success of the operation, praising the vigilance of the Customs Protection teams and their unwavering commitment to preventing drug trafficking.

An Unrelenting Crusade Against Drug Trafficking

Turkey’s war against drug trafficking doesn’t stop at its borders. The recent operation is just one of many that exhibit the active role the nation plays in the global fight against narcotics. In another high-profile case, Turkish police seized 228 kilograms of cocaine at a port in Istanbul, detaining nine suspects in the process. This significant seizure followed a detailed examination of six containers aboard a ship from a South American country.

(Read Also: Fostering Economic Growth: The 13th Turkey Investment Conference)

Largest-ever Narcotics Operation in Turkey

In June, Turkey undertook its largest-ever narcotics operation, code-named “Operation Swamp.” The operation targeted an international gang with connections in Brazil and the Netherlands, leading to the detention of 67 individuals. The suspects were linked to several previous drug seizures, including tons of heroin seized in 1993 and over 18 tons of cocaine seized in 2012. The operation exemplified Turkey’s steadfast commitment to tackling international drug trafficking.

Record Drug Seizures and Turkey’s Role in Europe

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Turkey accounts for 95% of the heroin and morphine seizures in eastern and south-eastern Europe. One of the biggest drug seizures in Turkish history happened when security forces discovered more than a ton of heroin hidden in a cargo ship. The ship, flagged by the Democratic Republic of Congo, was raided in international waters based on a tip-off. It is noteworthy that Turkey is a major transit country for heroin from Afghanistan to Europe.

(Read Also: Turkey’s Stance on Global Challenges: President Erdogan’s Address to the UN General Assembly)

Turkey’s Growing Influence in Global Drug Trafficking

Recent incidents indicate a noticeable increase in Turkey’s involvement in global drug trafficking. The UN drugs agency suggests that a significant quantity of cocaine is being sent via Turkey to EU countries, Eastern European nations, and Middle Eastern countries. A quintessential case was when Brazilian federal police boarded a jet registered in Istanbul and discovered 1.3 tons of cocaine. The jet was eventually impounded in Brazil, drawing attention to Turkey’s expanding role in the drug trade.

Turkey: A Major Transit Point for Global Cocaine Trafficking

The UNODC has identified Turkey as a growing transit point for global cocaine trafficking. From 2014 to 2020, the amount of cocaine seized in the country rose almost fivefold. The increase in drug trafficking through Turkey is largely attributed to maritime shipments. Turkey’s geographical location, straddling two continents, makes it an attractive route for international drug traffickers.

(Read Also: Eris Variant of COVID-19 Detected in Turkey: An In-depth Analysis)

The Controversial Side of the Narcotics Trade

While Turkey’s efforts to combat drug trafficking are commendable, there have been allegations implicating former government officials in the organization and distribution of narcotics within the country. These allegations, however, remain unverified. The Turkish government continues to enforce stringent measures against drug trafficking, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of its citizens and contributing to global narcotics control efforts.