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Two air cargo shipments originating from South America and destined for Asian countries in transit through Istanbul Airport were intercepted, resulting in the seizure of a total of 427 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The interception came after Customs Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate officials at the airport flagged the shipments as "high-risk," leading to a thorough examination by the narcotics police. During the investigation, drug-sniffing dogs were employed, revealing that the narcotics were concealed within air compressors and a wood cutting machine.

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced the seizure on Twitter. The İstanbul Gaziosmanpaşa Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the incident.

Drug use and trafficking in Turkey

In recent years, Turkey has experienced a significant increase in drug seizures, particularly of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Two separate reports prepared by the United Nations on global drug and cocaine trafficking in 2022 showed that Turkey has become a transit country for drugs to be smuggled to Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Furthermore, police data indicates a rise in illegal drug consumption across the country. Methamphetamine, in particular, has become a "gateway drug" among impoverished youth. A police survey conducted earlier this year had revealed that it had become the second-most used illegal drug in Turkey.

The narcotics police had previously reported a staggering increase in methamphetamine seizures, rising from 1,042 kilograms in 2019 to a staggering 5,528 kilograms in 2021.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, as of the beginning of this year, more than one-third of the 340,000-plus inmates in the country's prisons are incarcerated for drug-related offenses. (RT/VK)