Turkish authorities launched a massive anti-narcotics operation, detaining 346 suspects and seizing large amounts of illegal drugs and weapons in coordinated operations across five provinces. Turkey’s Gendarmerie General Command led the raids, which targeted drug trafficking networks in Adana, Balikesir, Nevsehir, Çanakkale and Bursa, underscoring the government’s intensified efforts to dismantle organized crime gangs operating across the country.The operation, which took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, involved simultaneous raids at 93 locations and was carried out by 635 personnel, including public security forces, special commandos and 13 specially trained drug detection dogs. According to an official statement, the coordinated operation was overseen in close cooperation with the Office of the Chief District Attorney and the Drug Enforcement Administration, utilizing physical and technical surveillance to track and document the suspect’s activities before executing the arrest warrant.
Seizures highlight scale of drug trafficking in Türkiye
The raids resulted in the seizure of more than 80,000 psychotropic substances, which are often associated with illicit street markets and abuse, as well as approximately 11 kilograms of various narcotics, including highly potent drugs commonly trafficked for regional distribution. In addition to the drug seizures, authorities also seized numerous unlicensed firearms, including handguns and shotguns, as well as drug paraphernalia and precision scales believed to be used in drug packaging and sales. These seizures illustrate the interconnected nature of drug distribution and illegal weapons trafficking targeted by law enforcement.
635 officers, 93 targets: How Türkiye pulled off one of its biggest drug operations
By detaining so many suspects and seizing drugs and weapons, the operation dealt a major blow to criminal networks and disrupted regional distribution channels reportedly linked to multiple urban and rural centres. A police spokesman stressed that the evidence gathered, including physical surveillance and documented drug offences, would strengthen prosecutions and contribute to the long-term crackdown on organized crime groups.
Background: Türkiye continues its crackdown on drugs
Türkiye has been increasing its efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse over the years and has launched multiple nationwide anti-drug campaigns. In a previous major operation, Operation Narkokapan-9, authorities detained nearly 2,795 suspects nationwide and seized more than a ton of narcotics and millions of pills, highlighting the scale and persistence of the national drug problem.Türkiye is located at the strategic crossroads of Europe and Asia and is a major transit and distribution hub for inter-regional drug shipments. Its borders and major cities have long been targeted by traffickers of synthetic drugs, heroinand other illegal substances, making comprehensive drug law enforcement an ongoing priority. Recent government statements have emphasized punitive measures and preventive actions to protect public health and increased coordination between security agencies, prosecutors and border control units.
Addressing criminal networks and youth vulnerability
Officials stress that drug trafficking and abuse not only fuel organized crime but also endanger public safety and the well-being of youth. The large number of psychotropic drugs seized during this operation (eg 83,625 psychotropic pills) reflects a growing public health concern as such drugs often find their way into local markets and schools. A combination of law enforcement raids, targeted surveillance and community outreach initiatives are aimed at curbing supply and demand, with authorities urging citizens to assist with intelligence reports and cooperate with anti-drug measures. While the focus remains on interdicting large distribution networks, ensuing efforts may expand to educational campaigns to reduce drug use among the youth population.
Drug gangs busted: Hundreds detained in Türkiye’s nationwide sweep
This latest operation demonstrates Türkiye’s determination to combat drug trafficking from high-level organized crime to street-level drug trafficking and highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the region. Türkiye has launched a large-scale anti-drug operation in five provinces, arresting 346 suspects involved in drug trafficking and organized crime. A total of 635 officers and 13 specially trained drug detection dogs were involved in raids at 93 locations. Authorities seized more than 80,000 psychotropic pills, 11 kilograms of drugs, unlicensed firearms and drug paraphernalia, disrupting illegal networks.The operation reflects a long-running nationwide effort to combat drug trafficking and abuse, with past operations detaining thousands of suspects in wider crackdowns. Law enforcement’s use of technology and physical surveillance ahead of raids highlights a coordinated, intelligence-led approach to tackling drug crime.
