Over 90 kg of cocaine seized in Turkey

By Sertac Bulur, Cemal Asan, Huseyin Bagis

ANKARA, ISTANBUL, VAN (AA) - Turkish security forces have detained 62 suspects and seized a total of 91 kilograms of cocaine and other illegal drugs during anti-narcotics operation across the country, security source said on Monday.

In northwestern Istanbul province, anti-drug police squad raided a house and a car in Kucukcekmece district on May 24 and impounded 1.8 million opiate pills, 30 kilogram (66 pounds) of cocaine and a long-barreled weapon, said a source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

In Bakirkoy district of the same province, the police seized 12 kilogram (26 pounds) of opium gum, which were kept hidden in Iranian local clothes, on May 26.

Meanwhile, gendarmerie carried out an operation in eastern Van province, arresting a suspect and seizing 61 kilogram (134 pounds) of cocaine, said another source.

In other operations conducted in 29 cities of Turkey, 56 suspects were detained for encouraging drug use through social media.

*Writing by Burak Dag from Ankara