UPDATE - Over 330 kg of drugs seized in Turkey

UPDATES WITH OTHER OPERATIONS; REVISES LEDE, HEAD, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Necat Hazar and Irfan Aydogdu

VAN/GAZIANTEP/BATMAN/HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Turkish security forces seized 330 kilograms (727 pounds) of drugs during nationwide operations, authorities said.

Anti-narcotics police units conducted an operation against illicit drug smuggling in the eastern Van province, said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media.

Some 86.4 kg (190 lbs) of heroin were seized during the operation, and one suspect was arrested for drug smuggling.

In another operation in the southeastern Gaziantep province, police seized a small stock of drugs and arms, arresting 24 suspects for drug smuggling.

Turkish security forces seized 250 kg (551 lbs) of marijuana in the southeastern Mardin province in another operation. Police arrested one suspect for drug smuggling.

In the southern Hatay province, anti-narcotics police units conducted an operation against illicit drug smuggling. Police seized 170 kg (374 lbs) of marijuana and 115,000 drug pills, arresting 33 suspects for drug smuggling.

* Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur in Ankara