Turkish police seize large amount of drugs

By Necat Hazar

VAN, Turkey (AA) - Turkish police officers seized a large amount of drugs in operations across the country, officials said Wednesday.

The operation based in the eastern Van province was extended to Istanbul, southeastern Diyarbakir and northwestern Kocaeli provinces, the provincial security directorate said.

Police seized over 900 kilograms (1,984 pounds) of cannabis, 799 kg (1,761 lbs) of heroin, 100 kg (220 lb) of marijuana, over 1 kg (2 lb) of methamphetamine and over 50 kg (110 lb) of acid anhydride, according to a statement.

Also, police officers seized over 155,000 Turkish liras ($26,953), $12,500 and 31 million Iranian rial ($736).

A large amount of ammunition including 47 cartridges, shotguns and 22 shotgun cartridges were confiscated.

Police also seized two smartphones and 9,000 packets of cigarettes.

In a separate operation in Turkey’s western Afyonkarahisar province, 100 kg (220 lb) of marijuana were confiscated.

The operations also led to the arrest of 34 suspects by police.

* Writing by Havva Kara Aydin