25.04.2026 08:10
In an operation organized in Istanbul's Pendik district, 3,092 firearm parts hidden in a water well in an empty lot were seized, and 4 suspects linked to the incident were taken into custody.
Teams from the Istanbul Provincial Police Department's Organized Crime Branch focused on a rural area in Pendik as part of their operations against arms traffickers. Evaluating the intelligence received, the teams launched a detailed investigation in the area. During an aerial surveillance using a drone, it was determined that some individuals were entering and exiting underground.
HIDDEN IN A WATER WELL
The teams identified a water reservoir located underground during their scans of the terrain. After technical and physical surveillance, the operation was initiated. In the raid, numerous gun parts concealed in sacks were found inside an empty water well.
SINGLE LARGEST SEIZURE
In the operation, 3,092 parts to be used in the production of pistols, 1,869 slides, and various gun parts were seized. The seized quantity is reported to be the largest single seizure of gun parts across Turkey.
4 SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY
Within the scope of the operation, 4 suspects identified as being linked to the weapons were apprehended. The suspects were taken to the Istanbul Organized Crime Branch for questioning.
It was learned that the investigation is ongoing in multiple directions.