Istanbul, May 24 – Firefighters responding to a blaze in the top floor of a building in Istanbul’s Şişli district made an unexpected discovery: a sophisticated drug cultivation facility. Following the fire, police conducted a search of the premises, seizing approximately 900 grams of cannabis, 30 cannabis plants, and cultivation equipment with an estimated market value of 500,000 Turkish Liras. Volkan K. (33), who was detained at the scene, has since been arrested by the court.
Firefighters Uncover Drug Operation During Emergency Response
The incident occurred on Thursday, May 21, around 5:50 PM, in the Mahmut Şevket Paşa neighborhood. Residents noticed smoke rising from the top-floor apartment and immediately alerted fire crews. Firefighters arrived quickly and successfully extinguished the flames. During their initial inspection, fire officials found equipment indicative of a drug cultivation operation within the apartment.
Electrical System Suspected as Cause of Fire
Preliminary assessments suggest that the fire may have originated from the electrical system used for the drug cultivation setup. Following the firefighters’ report, officers from the Şişli Public Order Bureau and Şişli Motorcycle Police Teams arrived at the scene and apprehended Volkan K. inside the apartment. A search of the suspect yielded 4,800 Turkish Liras in cash, a mobile phone, and two car keys.
Half a Million Liras Worth of Drugs Seized
A thorough search was conducted both in the apartment where the fire occurred and in the suspect’s vehicles. Authorities discovered a sensitive scale, a pumping system, syringes, fertilizers, liquid nutrients, and numerous other materials used for drug cultivation. Additionally, a black garbage bag contained approximately 900 grams of cannabis and 30 cannabis plants, with an estimated market value of 500,000 Turkish Liras. The seized items have been taken for further examination.
Suspect Arrested and Charged with Drug Trafficking
Volkan K., who was taken into custody, was found to have five prior criminal records. After processing at the police station, Volkan K. was transferred to the courthouse and subsequently arrested by the court on charges of ‘Manufacturing and Trafficking of Drugs or Stimulants’. An investigation into the fire and the drug operation has been launched.
Source: http://mobil.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/yer-istanbul-yangin-ihbarina-giden-itfaiye-ekipleri-uyusturucu-serasi-buldu-43183288
