Over 150 kg of heroin seized in eastern Turkey

VAN, Turkey

Turkish police confiscated on Thursday nearly 152 kilograms (335 pounds) of heroin in the eastern Van province.

Anti-drug police launched an operation against illegal drug trafficking in the Ipekyolu district, local police department said in a statement.

During the search, police seized heroin packed in 300 bundles inside 10 boxes in a vehicle.

The driver, only known by the initials O.K., was arrested over suspected drug smuggling.

According to police data, Turkish security forces confiscated a total of 17.3 tons of heroin in 2018, arresting more than 1,500 suspects.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur