20.01.2026 10:11
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared the details of the Narkokapan-Izmir operation, calling it "the most comprehensive narcotics operation in the history of the Republic." In extensive operations conducted in 14 different provinces centered in Izmir, 641 drug dealers were apprehended.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 641 suspects were detained in the Narkokapan-Izmir operation, which is the most comprehensive narcotics operation in the history of the Republic, conducted in 14 different provinces.
"THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE NARCOTICS OPERATION IN THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC"
In his statement, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said: "Yesterday in Izmir, we carried out Narkokapan-Izmir, which is the 'most comprehensive narcotics operation' in our Republic's history. This large-scale operation, centered in Izmir, targeted the street dealers, who are the strategic arm of drug trafficking, trying to poison our neighborhoods and streets, in 14 of our provinces.
During the preparation phase of our operation, we meticulously conducted field surveillance, technical preparations, and intelligence work against these street dealers, who particularly prey on our youth.
"641 SUSPECTS DETAINED"
During this approximately 4-month process, our teams identified which holes these suspects were entering and exiting, who they were in contact with, and what methods they were using to distribute drugs. After obtaining the information, we simultaneously launched our operation yesterday morning, just before dawn.
Supported by our air and naval forces, the Narkokapan Izmir operation involved:
4,500 police officers, 956 teams, and 8 specially trained narcotic detection dogs.
I want to reiterate: We conducted simultaneous operations at 608 different addresses in 14 provinces centered in Izmir, and 641 individuals were detained.
"95% ARREST RATE FOR STREET DEALERS CAUGHT IN NARKOKAPAN"
The arrest rate for street dealers caught in the Narkokapan operations is 95%.
These efforts, conducted on this scale and with coordination, clearly demonstrate our police's high coordination capability, operational speed in the field, and determination. For the peace of our esteemed nation, we continue this struggle, which targets the source of crime, with the same discipline and determination.
"43,524 DRUG TRAFFICKERS ARRESTED IN 2025"
Under the leadership of our esteemed President, we set a goal with the vision of the Century of Turkey: That goal is to make our country an impregnable fortress against drugs.
Look, to achieve these goals, in 2025, we arrested 43,524 individuals in operations against drug traffickers. The number of those arrested during this cabinet period is 100,509! I repeat: It has exceeded 100,000! Again, during this cabinet period, we seized 233 tons of drugs and 278 million drug pills.
"WE CRUSHED 357 DRUG CRIME ORGANIZATIONS"
During the same period, we dismantled 357 drug crime organizations. Of these, 46 were of international nature. We captured 136 foreign suspects, who are the leaders and managers of drug crime organizations wanted by Red Notice, in our country. We also ensured the extradition of 120 suspects, who are the leaders and managers of drug crime organizations wanted by Red Notice, to our country.
"THE NUMBERS I ANNOUNCED ARE HISTORICAL"
Dear members of the press, the numbers I have announced are of historical significance. We are fighting on all fronts of the drug chain. We have very successful teams dedicated to this cause, working day and night. May God protect them from harm. We are conducting our fight against drugs in full cooperation with all relevant institutions in our country. We are signing joint drug operations with European countries and other nations, and we will continue to do so.
Turkey is no longer a country that follows in the fight against crime; it is one that leads, coordinates, shares intelligence, and manages operational cooperation.
"WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST ANYONE INVOLVED IN CRIME"
I congratulate our Governor, our Chief Public Prosecutor, our Chief of Police, our Narcotics Crime Department, our Provincial Police Department, and all the heroic police officers who participated in the Narkokapan Izmir operation. I want our nation to know that: Whether they are the leader of a narcotics crime organization, a street dealer, famous or not, whoever is involved in this crime, we are fighting against them with determination on behalf of our country and humanity, and with God's permission, we will continue to do so!"