UPDATE - Turkey: 100 held in anti-narcotic operations

UPDATE WITH MORE FIGURES

By Sebahattin Zeyrek

DENIZLI, Turkey (AA) - As many as 100 suspects have been held in anti-narcotics operations across Turkey, police officials said on Wednesday.

Anti-narcotics squads backed by drones conducted early morning raids at 15 locations in Pamukkale and Merkezefendi districts in Denizli province, said the official, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

They rounded up 14 people, who were allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

In the simultaneous raids, police also seized 1.26 kilogram (3 pounds) of hashish, 676 drug pills, 4 guns and 2 hunting rifles.

Separately, 30 kilogram (66 pounds) of bonsai, a synthetic drug, was seized as part of an anti-narcotics operation in Avcilar district of Istanbul, another police official said on Wednesday.

In southeastern Adana province, police seized 26 kilograms (57 pound) of hashish, along with heroin and other drugs.

Nine suspects were also arrested on suspicion of carrying out drug trafficking, said another police officer, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media.

In central Aksaray province, police arrested one suspect and seized more than 250 grams of hashish powder.

In central Nigde province, police arrested a total of 71 suspected drug traffickers and consumers.

Separately, police in Nigde arrested two other drug trafficking suspects. 34 ecstasy drugs were seized from their truck.

In the northwestern Balikesir, police arrested three suspects of drug trafficking and seized 300 grams of hashish.