Turkey launches operation against illegal gambling ads, seizes 3 tons of drugs

Turkish authorities have initiated a significant operation targeting individuals suspected of promoting illegal online gambling. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that arrest warrants have been issued for 33 suspects who allegedly sent mass SMS messages to citizens advertising illegal betting services. The operation, coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, aims to apprehend these individuals across Istanbul.

Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and sophisticated algorithms developed by the Istanbul Police Department's Cybercrime Branch, the investigation identified mass messages sent from various phone numbers, particularly those starting with '0850,' encouraging illegal betting. The operation is focused on capturing the 33 suspects identified through these technological means.

In a separate but related effort, authorities also reported a major drug seizure. In a coordinated operation involving the Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command and the Istanbul Customs Enforcement and Intelligence Directorate, approximately 3 tons of pregabalin were confiscated from a container aboard a Chinese-flagged vessel at Ambarlı Port. Pregabalin is a substance used in the production of prescription drugs and can pose serious health risks if misused. The seized substance has an estimated market value of 2.1 billion Turkish lira.

Minister Tunç emphasized the government's commitment to combating all forms of crime, stating, "We will continue to pursue crime using all the possibilities provided by technology; we will not tolerate any criminal organization targeting our youth and citizens." He added that efforts are ongoing to fully dismantle the criminal network involved in the drug trafficking. The minister reiterated the government's firm stance against illegal betting, drug trafficking, and organized crime, highlighting strong coordination between the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and Trade under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership.