19.08.2026 17:32
Two foreign nationals who illegally collected species from Nemrut Mountain National Park were caught in a joint operation by police and Nature Conservation and National Parks teams. A total administrative fine of 1.4 million lira was imposed on the individuals, while the 16 grasshoppers they attempted to smuggle were released back into their natural habitat.
Two foreign nationals who illegally collected insect species from Nemrut Mountain National Park in Adıyaman were caught red-handed. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı announced that the 16 grasshoppers illegally collected from nature were released back into their ecosystem, and the individuals were fined a total of 1.4 million lira in administrative penalties.
Field inspections aimed at protecting Turkey's ecological riches and biodiversity continue unabated. Most recently, teams from the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) and the Adıyaman Provincial Police Department carried out a coordinated critical operation within the boundaries of Nemrut Mountain National Park. In the operation, two foreign nationals found to have illegally collected live species from the national park area were caught and detained.
16 GRASSHOPPERS SEIZED WERE RELEASED BACK INTO NATURE
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, who shared the details of the biopiracy operation with the public via his social media account, emphasized that no compromise would be made on protecting the natural heritage. In his statement, Minister Yumaklı said: "We imposed an administrative fine of 1.4 million lira on two foreign nationals who illegally collected species from our natural heritage, Nemrut Mountain National Park, under our relevant legislation. We released the 16 grasshoppers seized in the operation carried out in coordination by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and the Adıyaman Provincial Police Department back into nature. We will continue to defend and protect our country's invaluable ecological wealth in every area."