Turkey: 2,777 Suspects Arrested In Anti-Drug Operations

Turkish security forces have arrested a total of 2,777 suspects during anti-drug operations last week, security sources said on Monday.

Some 559 kilograms (1,232 pounds) of marijuana, 530 kilograms (1,168 pounds) of heroin, 71 kilograms (156 pounds) of methamphetamine, 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of bonsai, 161,000 opiate drugs and 93,000 cannabis roots were seized in 53 provinces, the General Directorate of Security said in a statement.

A total of 45 unlicensed guns and rifles were also held during the operations, it added.

Separately, security forces seized 65.5 kilograms (144 pounds) of drugs and 32,750 packages of contraband cigarettes on the borderlines of Van, Hatay and Hakkari provinces, Turkey's National Defense Ministry said on Monday.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar -