ISTANBUL, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 421 suspects Tuesday in an anti-narcotics operation conducted across 12 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said.
At a press conference in the central province of Konya, Yerlikaya said the operation involved 3,319 police officers, 542 teams, 16 specially trained narcotic detection dogs, and aerial support units including a drone and a helicopter.
"Simultaneous raids were carried out at 338 locations, resulting in the detention of 421 suspects," Yerlikaya stated.
The minister added that the operation was still underway in the field, targeting organized networks, logistical suppliers, and street dealers involved in the drug trade.
During the current cabinet term, which began in 2023, Turkish security forces have dismantled 328 organized drug trafficking networks and arrested 87,912 drug dealers, according to the minister.
"Authorities have also seized approximately 216 tons of narcotics and 243 million drug pills as part of ongoing nationwide efforts to combat narcotics-related crime during the same period," he said. ■
