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During a routine operation at a checkpoint, the narcotics police in Ağrı, eastern Turkey, made a significant seizure of 537.2 kilograms liquid narcotics concealed in a hidden compartment inside the fuel tank of an Iranian-plated truck.
The truck, which had crossed into Turkey from Iran through the Gürbulak Border Crossing, was believed to be involved in a major drug shipment heading towards western provinces, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA). Acting on this information, the authorities intercepted the vehicle at checkpoint along the Ağrı-Erzurum highway.
With the assistance of narcotics detection dogs named Alfa and Kanas, a search was conducted, revealing the presence of a concealed compartment ingeniously crafted within the fuel tank, containing a substantial quantity of liquid substances.
The dedicated team removed and dissected the fuel tank, exposing the liquid synthetic narcotics.
The Iranian driver was promptly apprehended and subsequently presented before a judge, who ordered his immediate detention.
The number of individuals detained or convicted for drug offenses in Turkey has witnessed a staggering surge from 36,000 to 128,000 within the past seven years, according to the Interior Ministry.
Data from the Ministry of Justice further indicates that the overall inmate population stands at 341,497, which means approximately one-third of all incarcerated individuals are serving sentences related to drug-related crimes. (AS/VK)
