Turkey: 15 arrested in anti-drug operations

By Yusuf Koyun

ADANA, Turkey (AA) – Fifteen people were arrested on Thursday as part of nationwide anti-narcotics operations, according to security sources.

In the southern Adana province, a couple were detained in a raid -- aided by a sniffer dog -- at their residence, a security source said, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

During the operation in the Seyhan district, rags symbolizing the terrorist PKK and 50 grams (0.11 pounds) of synthetic drugs were seized, the source added.

One other person was detained in the southern Mersin province when security forces stopped the vehicle of the suspect for a routine check. Nearly three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of heroin hidden inside the car battery was seized.

The suspect was later remanded.

In Kahramanmaras, another southern province, five others were detained during simultaneous operations, another security source said.

Four more suspects were also apprehended in the northern Bartin province. Two of them were later released after their testimonies were taken.

Separately in the southern Antalya province, three were arrested for possessing and trading drugs, according to a written statement by the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Alanya district.