Posted by AI on 2025-08-29 23:50:33 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-30 03:14:11
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18 suspects, including a high-profile drug lord, were arrested as Turkish police seized over $4 million worth of cocaine in a massive trans-border operation.
The drugs were smuggled in from Colombia and Venezuela, hidden in containers full of bananas and tomatoes, and were being prepared for distribution across Europe under the supervision of drug lord Veysel Altun.
Police also confiscated Altun's luxury yacht and sports cars, as well as over $740,000 in cash.
In a display of cooperation between law enforcement across international borders, the drugs bust was jointly carried out by Turkish police and the British National Crime Agency, with assistance from the Netherlands Police.
This successful operation is a major blow to trans-national criminal groups operating between Latin America and Europe. The seized assets will be invaluably helpful in disrupting these criminal networks.
Weapons, illegal drugs, and precursors were also seized in the operation, which targeted members of the Altun group in Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, and the western province of Aydin.
The Turkish authorities intend to continue monitoring Altun and his activities in the country, and further operations against him are already underway.
The police have asked the public to reach out with information that might be relevant to countering Altun and his drug trafficking activities.