Turkish law enforcement agencies have conducted a series of successful operations across the country, targeting organized crime groups, drug traffickers, and violent offenders. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced several key developments on August 13, 2024.In Elazığ, the ‘Kuyu-16’ operation dismantled an organized crime group led by Ahmet Gülbasan. Fifteen suspects, including the leader, were arrested for crimes such as forming a criminal organization, robbery, threats, attempted murder, and drug trafficking. The operation, coordinated by the Elazığ Public Prosecutor’s Office and the General Directorate of Security’s KOM Department, resulted in the seizure of 10 unlicensed handguns, 1 rifle, and a large quantity of ammunition.In Eskişehir, an 18-year-old suspect, identified as A.K., was arrested after attacking five people with a knife in a park. The suspect, wearing a mask, helmet, and a combat vest with a ‘Kara Güneş’ emblem, was apprehended by police while attempting to flee. Two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.Meanwhile, in Istanbul, police teams arrested 46 suspects in a coordinated operation against drug dealers. Of these, 43 were remanded in custody by a judge. The operation led to the seizure of narcotics, weapons, and cash believed to be proceeds from criminal activities.In Diyarbakır, the ‘Abluka’ operation resulted in the arrest of 26 suspects involved in various crimes, including assault, threats, and the theft of gold worth 2 million Turkish Lira. The operation recovered 60 full gold bars, 32 half gold bars, and 56 quarter gold bars.Interior Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the government’s commitment to combating organized crime, stating, ‘We will continue to dismantle and bring to justice any organized crime groups, regardless of their size. Our operations will continue with determination from dawn till dusk’.
Key points
- The ‘Kuyu-16’ operation in Elazığ dismantled an organized crime group, resulting in 15 arrests and weapon seizures.
- An 18-year-old suspect was arrested in Eskişehir after attacking five people with a knife.
- Istanbul police arrested 43 suspects in a major drug trafficking operation.
- The ‘Abluka’ operation in Diyarbakır led to 26 arrests and the recovery of stolen gold worth 2 million Turkish Lira.
