By Necat Hazar and Halil Demir
VAN, ISTANBUL, Turkey (AA) – Turkish security forces seized a large cache of illegal drugs as part of nationwide counter-narcotics operations, authorities said Thursday.
In the eastern province of Van bordering Iran, police teams found over 220 kilograms (485 pounds) of heroin in two different vehicles; a car and a truck.
While one driver was arrested, police continue their search for two more fugitive suspects.
Acting on a tip-off, Istanbul police raided a warehouse in Gaziosmanpasa district. In the raid, over 285 kg (628 lbs) of marijuana and at least 45,000 ecstasy pills were confiscated.
Police teams also detained three suspects and seized a pistol.
*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara