Turkey: Over 5,000 kg marijuana seized from PKK

By Hasan Namli

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces have seized over 5,000 kilograms of marijuana and over 1 million cannabis sativa roots during an operation against the PKK terrorist group in the country’s southeast.

The operation was carried out by the provincial gendarmerie command the Lice district of Diyarbakir province and a total of 5,312 kilograms of marijuana and about 1.34 million cannabis sativa roots were seized, provincial governorate said in a statement.

Ten suspects were also arrested in the anti-terrorism and anti-drug operation that started on Oct. 9 in the district.

Also Kalashnikov rifles, pistols, and 17 cartridges among other belongings of the terrorist group were found buried in the ground.

The PKK is a major presence in international drug trafficking.

In Europe, the PKK controls 80% of the drug trade, and reaps some $1.5 billion a year, according to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Havva Kara Aydin