Police strike major blow in southeast Turkey drug trade

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Local police in southeastern Turkey announced on Friday that they had seized over 1.1 tons (2,425 pounds) of marijuana, 46 kilograms (101 pounds) of heroin, a hunting rifle and three other firearms, arresting 99 suspects over a month.

According to a statement by the Diyarbakir provincial security directorate, narcotic police carried out a total 84 operations between May 12 to June 11 in the Ergani, Bismil, Silvan and Dicle districts.

In the operations, 39 suspects out of 99 were remanded in custody, including a lawyer from Adana Bar Association.

Also, 1,115 kg marijuana, 180 grams (0.4 pounds) of methamphetamines, 111 drug pills, five synthetic materials and 55 bullets were also seized.