Turkey arrests Moroccan wanted internationally over drug trafficking

Turkish authorities on Wednesday arrested an internationally wanted Moroccan national accused of drug trafficking during a joint operation carried out by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Istanbul police in the Şişli district of Istanbul.

According to Turkish security sources, quoted by local media, the operation was launched after intelligence indicated that the suspect was hiding in the city. Officers from the Istanbul Police Department’s Narcotics Crimes Unit identified his location before raiding the residence where he was staying.

The 34-year-old Moroccan national was reportedly the subject of an Interpol diffusion notice and allegedly used encrypted communication applications to conceal his narcotics trafficking activities.

He was transferred to police headquarters for questioning as the investigation continues. Turkish authorities said he is expected to be moved to a Repatriation Center pending deportation procedures after the completion of legal formalities.