Turkey’s Ministry of Trade has announced a significant drug seizure at the Gurbulak border crossing in Agri, located in the eastern part of the country. On November 3, authorities uncovered more than 4.5 tons of methamphetamine hidden inside three trucks attempting to enter Turkey from Iran.
The drugs, identified as methamphetamine, were concealed in a sophisticated manner. According to the Ministry’s statement, 706 kilograms of the drug were found mixed with talc powder, while the remaining 3,797 kilograms were ingeniously hidden inside plant roots. This discovery is part of Turkey’s ongoing anti-narcotics operations aimed at curbing the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
The seizure was made possible by a joint effort from Turkey’s narcotics department, which used advanced technology, including X-ray screening equipment and the help of trained drug detection dogs. The trucks were thoroughly searched after officials received intelligence suggesting they were carrying contraband.
1️⃣4️⃣ İlde Uyuşturucu Madde İmalatçılarına ve Sokak Satıcılarına yönelik Jandarma tarafından düzenlenen "NARKOÇELİK-46" operasyonlarında;
— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) November 5, 2024
2️⃣ Ton 3️⃣ Kg Uyuşturucu Madde,
2️⃣ Milyon 9️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ Bin 3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣ adet kök kenevir ve kök skunk ile
6️⃣8️⃣ Bin 7️⃣3️⃣7️⃣ adet Uyuşturucu Hap ele… pic.twitter.com/MzW19weYtD
Following the operation, several individuals have been arrested in connection with the drug haul, although authorities have not yet revealed their identities or any further details about the suspects. The investigation is still ongoing, and more arrests may follow as officials work to track down those responsible for the smuggling operation.
This latest bust highlights the persistent and growing problem of drug trafficking in the region. Turkey, which has been actively combating drug smuggling, faces a complex challenge, with drugs often routed through various countries, including Iran and Afghanistan. While Turkish officials have pointed to Iran as the source of this particular shipment, Iran has, in turn, blamed Afghanistan for being the primary producer of the methamphetamine found in these drugs.
This seizure is part of a broader effort to address the drug trade between Turkey and its neighbors. The Turkish government has consistently emphasized the importance of international cooperation in fighting drug trafficking. With the smuggling routes often stretching across several borders, a coordinated approach among neighboring countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, and others in the region, is crucial to combat the growing threat posed by organized criminal networks involved in the drug trade.
