Turkey detains 24 as $20.6m in assets seized from international drug network

09 September 2026 , 16:45

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Turkey detains 24 as $20.6m in assets seized from international drug network

Turkish authorities have detained 24 people and seized assets worth approximately $20.6 million in an operation targeting an international drug trafficking network allegedly directed from Belgium, the Justice Ministry said.

The Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office issued detention warrants for 38 suspects. Eleven of the individuals are believed to be abroad, one is already incarcerated, and police are searching for two remaining suspects.

Authorities seized 87 properties, 18 vehicles, four private boats, stakes in 14 companies, and bank accounts suspected of representing crime proceeds.

Prosecutors did not disclose the identities of the suspects, the specific types or quantities of drugs involved, or other countries where the syndicate operated. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said investigators are targeting both the syndicate’s members and the corporate vehicles used to launder illicit funds.

David Wilson

Politics Editor