Nearly 9 kg of cocaine seized in NW Turkey

Customs enforcement officers find contraband in luggage hidden in exit line of trucks near Hamzabeyli border gate

By Aysenur Saglam

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish customs officers on Thursday confiscated nearly nine kilograms (nearly 20 pounds) of cocaine in northwestern Edirne province, the Trade Ministry said.

Customs enforcement, anti-smuggling and intelligence officers conducted a field work in Hamzabeyli customs area and the contraband was reportedly found in a luggage hidden on the exit line of the trucks waiting to cross the Turkish-Bulgarian border, the ministry said in a statement.

Security forces seized some 8.881 kg (19.5 pounds) of cocaine wrapped in eight packages and hidden in a luggage, the ministry added.

One person was arrested after customs enforcement officers found him suspicious while examining the footage of camera surveillance system.

The suspect was remanded in custody after being referred to an Edirne court.

*Writing by Sena Guler

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