Istanbul, Turkey – In a coordinated crackdown against street-level drug distribution, the Istanbul Metropolitan Police’s Narcotics Crime Branch, in conjunction with the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, obtained detention orders for 31 suspects on Thursday, November 3, 2026. The operation, described in Turkish media as targeting “torbacı” – a colloquial term for illicit street vendors – follows an extensive investigation that identified a total of 49 individuals involved in the trade.

According to the prosecutor’s office, evidence gathered by police investigators confirmed that 49 persons were operating as “torbacı” across various districts of the city. Of those, 18 were already serving sentences in correctional facilities. The remaining 31 individuals were subject to new detention warrants, prompting a citywide effort to locate and apprehend them.

The investigation led to the issuance of search orders for 32 residential and commercial premises spread across multiple Istanbul districts. Police teams conducted simultaneous raids, seizing drug‑related materials, cash, and paraphernalia linked to the network. While authorities have not disclosed the exact quantities of narcotics recovered, officials emphasized that the seized items constitute substantial evidence to support the ongoing prosecution.

Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson, speaking to reporters, highlighted the operation’s importance for public safety. “Street drug dealers pose a direct threat to community health and safety,” the spokesperson said. “Our goal is to dismantle these networks and prevent the further spread of illegal substances in our neighborhoods.”

The Istanbul Police’s Narcotics Crime Branch also confirmed that the investigation is still active. Officers continue to follow leads and are monitoring additional locations that may be linked to the suspect network. The public has been urged to cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activity related to drug sales or distribution.

This operation comes amid a broader national effort to curb drug trafficking and consumption, a priority for Turkish authorities following rising concerns over public health and crime rates associated with illegal substances. The Ministry of Interior recently announced increased funding for narcotics units and expanded training programs for officers tasked with confronting the drug trade at the street level.

The 31 detention orders were formally issued by the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and are expected to be presented before a court within the next few days. If convicted, the suspects could face substantial prison terms under Turkey’s stringent drug‑related statutes.

For further details, the original report can be accessed at CNN Türk: https://www.cnnturk.com/yerel-haberler/istanbul/istanbulda-uyusturucu-operasyonu-31-supheli-hakkinda-gozalti-karari-3488116.