Turkey seized its third-largest cocaine haul, 608 kilograms, in an operation targeting an international gang led by a Lebanese-Venezuelan national.

Turkey seized its third-largest cocaine haul in history, totaling 608 kilograms, in an operation across three provinces. The operation targeted an international gang led by a Lebanese-Venezuelan national. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced a 44% rise in cocaine seizures between 2021 and 2022, suggesting that Turkey may serve as a drug corridor, with groups monitoring organized crime warning that Turkey is growing as a transit hub for cocaine coming from South America to Europe as security at ports such as Rotterdam in the Netherlands tightens.

April 11, 2024
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