Turkish security forces nab wanted foreign national in anti-drug operation

ANKARA

Turkish law enforcement on Saturday caught a foreign national wanted for drug trafficking in an operation in Istanbul, the country's interior minister announced.

Rawi Ali Quershi was arrested in the Kagithane district of the metropolis in the "Cartel-5" anti-drug operation conducted by security forces, Ali Yerlikaya said on X.

Quershi, wanted with a red notice, is reported to be actively engaged in international drug trafficking, particularly in the Netherlands.

Yerlikaya said Quershi had an extensive criminal network in several countries around the world and established shipping lines to import large quantities of cocaine.

Quershi is accused of conducting a total of six tons of drug shipments to the Netherlands via ships, speedboats, and air transport.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz