In the written statement made by the Ministry of Commerce, "Within the scope of the studies carried out by our Customs Enforcement teams, a passenger who came to our country on the Cancun (Mexico)-Istanbul flight on September 13, 2026, was evaluated within the scope of the risk analysis and targeting studies. During the checks carried out in the cabin baggage of the passenger, a white powder substance, considered to be cocaine, weighing a total of 26 kilos 340 grams in 23 packages, was detected. Following the incident, Customs As a result of comprehensive investigations carried out by our protection teams through the Pre-Arrival Passenger (VÖY) and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, other suspects who were considered to be connected to the incident were also identified. As a result of the technical and field studies, it was determined that one of the suspects handed over the cabin suitcase he had with him to another person staying in Istanbul. Our teams also followed step by step the entrance and exit of the person to whom the suitcase containing the drugs was delivered to the hotel room. "During the search, a white powder substance weighing 25 kilos and 160 grams, believed to be cocaine, was seized. Thus, as a result of the detection and searches carried out in two separate cabin baggage within the scope of the operation, a total of 51 kilos and 500 grams of cocaine-type drugs were seized."
CAUGHT IN KAPUKULE
In the statement, it was stated that one of the suspects, who was considered to be connected to the incident, was found to have left Istanbul Airport wearing a pilot uniform and said, "As a result of the follow-up and investigations carried out by our Customs Enforcement teams, it was determined that the person in question went abroad and an arrest warrant was issued for him. In addition, the necessary judicial process was initiated to issue an international red notice about the person. On the other hand, it was determined that one of the fugitive suspects of the incident attempted to go abroad via Kapıkule Border Gate by rail. Customs As a result of the work carried out by our protection teams and the coordination with the relevant units, the person in question was caught at Kapıkule Border Gate on September 15, 2026. While three suspects were caught within the scope of the operation, a judicial process was initiated to issue an international red notice for another suspect who is considered to be connected to the incident.
The following sentences were included in the continuation of the statement:
"As the Ministry of Commerce, we continue our fight against all kinds of smuggling activities, especially drug smuggling, which threatens public health and especially our youth. Our Customs Enforcement teams continue to protect our country's borders against all types of smuggling with risk analysis, technological tracking systems, field studies and inter-institutional coordination. We do not allow drug traffickers and smuggling networks."
