Police detain many in anti-drug operations across Turkey

A number of people were detained in anti-drug operations in Istanbul's Beyoğlu, Şişli, Kağıthane and Ümraniye districts, as well as provinces across Turkey, early on Dec. 5, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.
A number of people were detained in anti-drug operations in Istanbul's Beyoğlu, Şişli, Kağıthane and Ümraniye districts, as well as provinces across Turkey, early on Dec. 5, state-run Anadolu Agency has reported.

A large amount of drugs were also seized in the operations, according to police. 

An anti-drug police operation was also carried out in the Central Anatolian province of Kayseri on Dec. 5, in which eight people were detained and 250 grams of the synthetic drug bonzai, 325 grams of methamphetamine, and 128 grams of cannabis were seized.

A similar raid was conducted in Turkey's Marmara province of Sakarya on Dec. 5, during which at least 54 kilograms of cannabis were found in the vehicle of a former police chief from the southern province of Adana who was suspended from his job for a similar offence. The former police chief and another suspect were detained and later referred to court. 

Meanwhile, police also seized 53 kilograms of cannabis found in a coach travelling in the southern province of Osmaniye on Dec. 5. The police raid revealed that the cannabis was hidden in suitcases, and the bus drivers and one steward were detained in the operation. The drivers were released but the steward was arrested. 

In a similar operation, 554 kilograms of cannabis found in an abandoned vehicle were seized in the Hani district of the southeastern province of Diyarbakır.