18 suspects arrested in Turkey anti-drug operation

VAN, Turkey

Eighteen suspects were arrested during an anti-drug operation across Turkey Monday, according a security source and police statement.

In northern Samsun province, 17 individuals were also rounded up during simultaneous anti-narcotics operation, the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

In eastern Van province, an anti-narcotics team seized 48 kilograms (105 pounds) of heroin from a vehicle, Van Police Department said in a written statement.

During the operation which was launched against the terrorist group PKK's drug trafficking network, police detained the driver for crimes linked to drugs and smuggling.

Police also seized over 6,000 packets of smuggled cigarettes in Edremit district of the province, the statement added.

Reporting by Necat Hazar, Recep Bilek:Writing by Burcu Arik

VAN, Turkey

Eighteen suspects were arrested during an anti-drug operation across Turkey Monday, according a security source and police statement.

In northern Samsun province, 17 individuals were also rounded up during simultaneous anti-narcotics operation, the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on talking to the media, said.

In eastern Van province, an anti-narcotics team seized 48 kilograms (105 pounds) of heroin from a vehicle, Van Police Department said in a written statement.

During the operation which was launched against the terrorist group PKK's drug trafficking network, police detained the driver for crimes linked to drugs and smuggling.

Police also seized over 6,000 packets of smuggled cigarettes in Edremit district of the province, the statement added.

Reporting by Necat Hazar, Recep Bilek:Writing by Burcu Arik