Major Operation Targets Online Drug Trafficking: 305 Suspects Apprehended in 14 Provinces
Istanbul, February 11 – Turkish authorities have conducted a large-scale operation against online drug trafficking and the promotion of drug use, with its epicenter in Istanbul and extending across 14 provinces. The operation led to the apprehension of 305 suspects out of 346 identified. This significant crackdown follows a five-month investigation that included virtual tracking and extensive field studies, notably employing artificial intelligence for the first time in such an operation in Turkey.
AI-Powered Investigation Uncovers Encrypted Networks
The operation, announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on social media, was initiated based on numerous tips and complaints. Technical and physical surveillance revealed a sophisticated drug sales network established through encrypted groups on the messaging platform Telegram and various social media accounts. This organized network, identified across 14 provinces nationwide and 35 districts within Istanbul, was found to be distributing drugs via a courier system or individual deliveries.
A critical aspect of the investigation involved the use of artificial intelligence-powered systems and analyses to identify drug dealers who were sharing content promoting narcotics. These analyses meticulously uncovered individual drug transactions and revealed that dealers created private subgroups within these applications, accessible only through special invitations or referrals. The network was also observed to frequently change usernames and prioritize secrecy, conducting drug sales 24 hours a day based on population density and user potential.
305 Suspects Caught, 69 Groups Shut Down
The Istanbul Police successfully decrypted messages within these groups and channels, identifying administrators and moderators. Following these identifications, made with the help of a special analysis program named “Avcı” (Hunter), teams launched simultaneous raids yesterday morning in numerous addresses across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Antalya, Konya, Sakarya, Tekirdağ, Hatay, Mardin, Adıyaman, Giresun, Kastamonu, and Muş. Out of 346 suspects, 305 were apprehended. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 35 suspects who were not found at their addresses. Furthermore, 69 Telegram groups associated with the network have been shut down.
This operation marks a significant step in Turkey’s fight against drug-related crimes, particularly those leveraging digital platforms. The innovative use of artificial intelligence in detecting and dismantling these encrypted networks highlights a new era in law enforcement’s approach to combating sophisticated criminal organizations.
