Over 200 Arrested in Multinational Operation Against Organized Crime

In a significant law enforcement operation, 234 high-ranking members of an organized crime group were apprehended early Tuesday morning, according to Turkey's Interior Minister. Ali Yerlikaya announced during a press conference that 225 of those arrested were taken into custody in Turkey, while nine others were detained abroad. The international arrests occurred simultaneously in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, and Belgium.

The individuals face serious charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. During the operation, authorities seized 21 tons of narcotics. Yerlikaya detailed that these criminal organizations were attempting to transport cocaine to Turkey and Europe via maritime and land routes from South American countries, as well as heroin from Iran and Afghanistan. Additionally, cannabis was reportedly being smuggled through the Balkan region, and ecstasy was being distributed across Europe.