Istanbul police detain 44 in drug trafficking operation

ISTANBUL

At least 44 suspects have been taken into custody early Thursday in a drug trafficking operation in Istanbul, police said.

Around 500 police officers carried out the helicopter-assisted operation against street vendors who are suspected of dealing drugs in the Kustepe neighborhood of Istanbul's Sisli district.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for 59 more suspects who were allegedly involved in drug trafficking, Istanbul Police Department Narcotic Branch Office said.

Police said they simultaneously raided 78 apartments and seized three pump rifles, two unlicensed guns, ammunition, drugs and documents showing drug trafficking notes.

Police said they had been closely monitoring the suspects for seven months.