Türkiye gets back fugitive international drug trafficker after arrest in Spain

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) – Atilla Onder, an international drug trafficker, was handed over to Turkish police on Thursday after his arrest in Spain, the Turkish authorities said.

Onder, who is "one of the world's most important drug lords wanted on a red notice," is being brought to Türkiye with the cooperation of Ankara and Madrid, the Turkish General Directorate of Security said.

He was wanted for several charges, including establishing a criminal organization, drug trafficking, forgery of official documents, unauthorized possession or exchange of dangerous goods, and opposition to the law on firearms, according to police.

Onder was arrested in Madrid on Thursday by the Interpol-Europol police.

"One of the world's most important drug lords, sought by red notice, was arrested in Spain’s cooperation, and is being brought to Türkiye," Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Twitter.