site.btaTurkish Customs Officers Seize Nearly 400 kg of Drugs at Border with Iran

An illegal drug shipment containing 394 kg of methamphetamine was discovered at the Turkish customs of Gurbulak on the border with Iran. The value of the seized drugs is estimated at about EUR 24 million, according to Turkish state television TRT Haber, citing a statement from the Ministry of Trade. 

The drugs were discovered during an operation by the Turkish authorities as part of the risk analysis and targeted screening system applied at Turkish border crossings.

A truck arriving at Gurbulak from Iran was subjected to an X-ray inspection of the vehicle. The scan revealed the presence of suspicious cargo. Based on the data, anti-drug trafficking teams conducted an additional thorough search of the truck, which resulted in the discovery of 394 kg of methamphetamine hidden among the goods legally registered in the consignment note. The value of the confiscated drugs is approximately TRY 1,179,000,000.

The truck driver was arrested and the drugs seized during the operation were destroyed. An investigation has been launched.

A statement of the Turkish Ministry of Trade on the case states that "the fight against drug trafficking, which threatens public health and national security, continues most actively through sophisticated analysis systems and the zero tolerance principle."

A statement by the Turkish Ministry of Trade on the case states that "the fight against drug trafficking, which threatens public health and national security, continues most actively through sophisticated analysis systems and the principle of 'zero tolerance'.

Gurbulak is the main and most important border crossing point of the three border crossing points between Turkiye and Iran. It was opened in 1937 and has since served as a link between the East and the West through Turkiye.