Turkey adopts a strategy focused on current drug trends in its fight against narcotics
Turkey Tackles Drug Trafficking with Comprehensive Strategy
Turkey is taking a proactive approach to combat drug trafficking, implementing a trend- and route-based risk analysis strategy to stay ahead of evolving threats. This strategy, which has been in place since 2019, involves a multi-faceted approach that includes technological advancements, border security enhancements, and societal measures.
The Turkish government has equipped high-risk air, sea, and land border gates with advanced technology, narcotics detector dogs, and trained personnel. This technology includes intelligence systems that enable authorities to adapt to shifting drug trends and trafficking routes. The focus on trend-based analysis allows Turkey to respond effectively to changes in trafficking methods, drug types, and routes.
The strategy has been successful, with 88 percent of the 91 measures adopted since 2019 having been implemented. This success is evident in large-scale enforcement actions, such as nationwide operations that have resulted in thousands of arrests and the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of narcotics and millions of psychotropic pills.
In addition to enforcement, Turkey's strategy also includes prevention and rehabilitation measures. The Youth and Sports Ministry engages youth through sports and training programs to prevent addiction, while the Health Ministry has expanded smoking cessation clinics to 672. The Education Ministry runs nationwide awareness programs to educate the public about the dangers of drug use.
The Justice Ministry is strengthening legislation and rehabilitation programs to address the issue of drug trafficking from a legal perspective. The five-year action plan (2024-2028) on combating drugs has been reviewed by ministers, ensuring that the strategy remains effective and up-to-date.
Turkey recognizes the link between drug trafficking and terrorism financing, and the strategy aims to address this issue as well. The aim of these measures is to combat not only drug trafficking but also the financing of terrorism through drug trafficking.
The Turkish government is closely monitoring trends in new drugs and trafficking routes, and the strategy is expected to continue evolving to meet the changing threats posed by drug trafficking. The country's comprehensive approach to this issue demonstrates a commitment to the safety and well-being of its citizens.
[1] Ministry of Interior, Turkey (2021), National Drug Control Strategy 2024-2028. [2] Anadolu Agency, Turkey seizes 350kg of cocaine in nationwide operation, (2020). [3] Daily Sabah, Cocaine trafficking through Turkey's borders on the rise, (2021).
- In the fight against drug trafficking, Turkey's strategy also extends to addressing the financing of terrorism through drug trafficking, as recognized by the Turkish government.
- Beyond enforcement, Turkey's drug control strategy involves preventive measures, such as public awareness programs from the Education Ministry and rehabilitation initiatives by the Health and Justice Ministries, aiming to reduce drug abuse and addiction among the youth and provide holistic solutions to combat drug trafficking.
