Turkish forces arrest 13 in anti-narcotics operations

By Safak Yel, Mustafa Gungor, Cuney Kemal Ozkok, Emrah Yasar, Ferdi Uzun, Yasar Karaman

ANKARA (AA) - Turkish security personnel arrested 13 suspects in nationwide anti-narcotics operations Thursday, official statements and security sources said.

According to a security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to media, told Anadolu Agency that two suspects were arrested in Aliaga district of western Izmir province.

As many as 970 cannabis roots were also seized in the operation, the source said.

Over 40,000 drug pills were seized and 2 suspects were arrested in a search operation in southern Mersin province, another security source told Anadolu Agency.

In eastern Agri province, 192 kilograms of opium were seized in 2 trucks, while 3 suspects were arrested at Gurbulak border gate, Ministry of Customs and Trade said in a statement.

On Ankara-Bursa highway, security forces arrested one suspect for carrying half kilogram of hashish in a suitcase. The suspect was travelling from the capital Ankara to Bursa, a source who wished not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, told Anadolu Agency.

Four suspects were arrested in anti-narcotics operations in Soke district of southwestern Aydin province. 65 grams of methamphetamine, four grams of powdered hashish, four pistols and one rifle were seized in the operations, a statement by Governor’s Office said.

In northern Samsun province, seven kilograms of powdered hashish and 500 cannabis roots were seized, while a suspect was arrested in Carsamba district, a source said.