Police strike major blow in southeast Turkey drug trade

By Aziz Aslan

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Local police in southeastern Turkey announced on Friday that they had seized over 1.1 tons (2,425 pounds) of marijuana, 46 kilograms (101 pounds) of heroin, a hunting rifle and three other firearms, arresting 99 suspects over a month.

According to a statement by the Diyarbakir provincial security directorate, narcotic police carried out a total 84 operations between May 12 to June 11 in the Ergani, Bismil, Silvan and Dicle districts.

In the operations, 39 suspects out of 99 were remanded in custody, including a lawyer from Adana Bar Association.

Also, 1,115 kg marijuana, 180 grams (0.4 pounds) of methamphetamines, 111 drug pills, five synthetic materials and 55 bullets were also seized.