Turkey arrests 525 in historic anti-drug operation in Ankara

Turkish authorities conducted the largest anti-drug operation in the country's history, detaining 525 suspected street-level drug dealers in Ankara after six months of surveillance targeting dealers using internet-based platforms. The operation involved thousands of police officers, sniffer dogs, drones, and helicopters, with raids carried out at more than 625 locations. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya emphasized the government's commitment to fighting drug trafficking and warned offenders of severe consequences. This crackdown coincided with a broader, Europe-wide initiative that dismantled major criminal networks, resulting in over 230 arrests and the seizure of $400 million in assets. The international operation, coordinated with Europol and law enforcement agencies across several countries, utilized advanced digital tracking and encrypted communication platforms to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating between Turkey and Europe. Intelligence and evidence gathered were shared with global partners, highlighting the growing transnational effort against organized drug crime.