Turkey Detains Seven Suspects in Connection with Spain's Record Cocaine Seizure

Turkish Authorities Act on International Cocaine Bust

Turkish law enforcement has detained seven suspects in a series of coordinated raids across six provinces, linking them to Spain's record-breaking maritime seizure of nearly 10 tons of cocaine. The arrests, announced by Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya on January 18, 2026, mark a significant development in the international effort to dismantle a major drug trafficking network.

The operations, conducted by the Istanbul police department's narcotics unit under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, targeted individuals suspected of 'establishing an organization,' 'drug trafficking, and laundering assets obtained from the crime.' Raids were carried out simultaneously in Istanbul, Mersin, Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Hatay. Among those detained is Çetin Gören, identified as a notorious drug trafficker. Authorities also confiscated assets belonging to two suspects and the United Shipping Ship Agency Industry and Trade Limited Company. Additionally, arrest warrants and red notices have been issued for three other suspects believed to be abroad.

Details of Spain's Historic Seizure

The Turkish detentions are directly connected to an operation in early January 2026, where Spanish security forces intercepted the Cameroonian-flagged vessel 'United S' in international waters, approximately 535 kilometers southwest of the Canary Islands. The vessel, which had departed from Brazil and was en route to a European port, was found to be carrying 9,994 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 294 packages among a shipment of salt.

This operation, code-named 'White Tide' (or 'Marea Blanca'), resulted in the arrest of all 13 crew members on board the 'United S'. The detainees included four Turkish nationals, along with citizens from Serbia, Hungary, and India. Spanish authorities hailed the bust as the largest maritime cocaine seizure in their history and the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded in Europe. The successful interception involved extensive international cooperation with law enforcement agencies from the United States (DEA), Brazil, the United Kingdom (NCA), France, and Portugal, as well as the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N).

Ongoing Investigations and Broader Context

The case has drawn considerable attention, particularly regarding the international nature of drug trafficking and the collaborative efforts required to combat it. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office initiated an ex officio investigation following reports of the Spanish seizure and the involvement of Turkish nationals.

While the four Turkish crew members arrested on the 'United S' remain in custody in Spain, the recent detentions in Turkey underscore the ongoing commitment of Turkish authorities to address the domestic links of such large-scale illicit operations. Investigations are continuing in both Spain and Turkey to fully uncover the extent of the criminal network involved.