Turkey: Security raids target drug traffic, terrorism

By Yusuf Koyun, Hasan Namli, and Halil Demir

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security forces conducted anti-narcotics and counter-terrorism operations in various provinces on Thursday, a police source said.

Anti-narcotics units seized 26 kilograms (57 pounds) of hashish in the Bagcilar district of the Istanbul province, arresting one suspect in the process, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Another operation in Seyhan in the southern Adana province seized 4.5 kg (10 lb.) of heroin and arrested one suspect.

Security forces also launched a counter-terrorism operation in the southeastern Diyarbakir province.

One suspected PKK terrorist and one collaborator, said to be carrying the terrorist in a vehicle, were arrested.

In the province, anti-narcotics teams also seized 213 kg (469 pounds) of hashish and a large quantity of raw hemp, and arrested 2 suspects.

More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July 2015.