By Volkan Kasik
VAN / MALATYA, Turkey (AA) - A large quantity of illegal drugs was seized by Turkish forces in drug raids, officials said on Wednesday.
Some 732 kg (1,613 pounds) of marijuana were seized by gendarmerie forces in Gurpinar in the eastern Van province, according to a statement by local officials. During the raid, three unregistered hunting rifles along with some bullets and one binocular were also seized.
Separately, police captured over 31 kg (68 lbs.) of heroin in an operation in the east-central Malatya province.
Searching a minibus on the busy highways connecting the eastern part of the country to Istanbul, police discovered the drugs hidden in between cheese buckets.
Two people with suspected links to the seized heroin were arrested.
* Writing by Ahmet Gencturk