Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced the arrest of 153 suspects in a large-scale drug operation targeting street dealers in Istanbul’s Gaziosmanpaşa and Kağıthane districts.

Yerlikaya reported that the operations yielded significant seizures, including 25.5 kilograms of heroin, 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, various amount of quantities of skunk, cocaine, and drug pills, as well as 3 precision scales, 4 unlicensed pistols, 1 unlicensed shotgun, and a substantial amount of foreign currency and Turkish Lira.

Emphasizing the importance of protecting young people from drug-related threats, Yerlikaya urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to the 112 Emergency Call Center. “It is the common duty of all of us to keep our youth, who are our future, away from drugs. If you see anything suspicious, report it, and we will take the necessary action,” he stated.

The operation is part of Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in major urban centers. (ILKHA)