Security forces bust drug racket in Turkey's east

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish law enforcement agencies have seized more than 1.2 million cannabis sativa roots, the most frequently consumed illicit drug worldwide, in two operations, officials said on Thursday.

In a joint operation conducted at two places over three days from July 29-31, the Gendarmerie and the Special Police Force busted the illicit drug racket in Turkey's southeastern province of Diyarbakir, the provincial governor's office said in a statement.

The squads found cannabis sativa roots at 15 different points in the Hani and Lice districts of the province. The security forces also destroyed a cave and two hideouts used by the PKK terrorists during the operation.

During the month of July, law enforcement agencies have seized 13.2 million cannabis sativa roots in Diyarbakir province.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.

*Writing by Burak Bir