23.11.2025 21:45
The beaches in the Manavgat district of Antalya, which have been plundered by sand thieves, were captured on drone footage. Following the heartbreaking images of the beaches that have turned into a sand quarry, gendarmerie teams began patrol duties against the thieves both on land and from the air.
In Antalya's Manavgat district, gendarmerie teams conducted an operation against sand thieves in the Mendirek area following reports from citizens the previous night.
3 PEOPLE DETAINED, 5 TRUCKS AND 3 EXCAVATORS SEIZED
Construction machinery and trucks identified as loading sand in the area were seized. Trucks loaded with sand that attempted to escape after ignoring the 'stop' warning from the gendarmerie teams were caught after a chase. During the operation, 3 people were detained, while efforts to capture 2 suspects are ongoing. As part of the investigation, 5 trucks and 3 excavators believed to be used in sand theft were towed to a parking lot in the Ulualan area. One of the suspects, Seydi İ., was arrested and sent to prison after being brought to court.
BEACHES TURNED INTO SAND PITS CAPTURED BY DRONE
Following reports and the ravaged beaches, gendarmerie teams initiated a fight against sand thieves; they pursued the thieves using drones from the air and official and civilian patrols on the ground. Drone footage taken at the Boğaz beach revealed how sand thieves ravaged the beach, disrupted the natural balance, and showcased the dire state of the beach in detail.
GENDARMERIE STARTED DAY AND NIGHT PATROLS AGAINST THIEVES
Gendarmerie teams continue their inspections with drones in the Ulualan area of Boğaz beach, where sand theft is prevalent, while civilian and official teams are patrolling the beach. Authorities stated that especially in the pine areas, entrances and exits will be monitored day and night with traps to be set up.