Turkish Authorities Arrest 10 Suspects Linked to Spain's Record Cocaine Seizure

International Drug Bust Leads to Turkish Arrests

Turkish prosecutors have requested the arrest of 10 suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into a massive maritime drug trafficking operation. This development is directly linked to Spain's record-breaking seizure of nearly 10 tons of cocaine earlier this month. The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced the arrest requests on Thursday, January 22, following coordinated operations across six provinces in Türkiye.

The suspects face serious charges, including drug or stimulant trafficking and establishing a criminal organization. Of the 12 individuals initially detained, 10 were referred to court with a request for arrest, while the remaining two are subject to judicial control measures. Additionally, arrest warrants have been issued for three other suspects believed to be abroad, with Interpol Red Notice procedures initiated.

Spain's Historic Cocaine Seizure

The Turkish investigation was launched in parallel to an operation by Spanish security forces on January 7, which resulted in the seizure of approximately 9,994 kilograms (nearly 10 tons) of cocaine. This interdiction, dubbed 'Marea Blanca' (White Tide), is considered the largest cocaine seizure on the high seas in the history of Spain's National Police and the largest single cocaine seizure ever recorded in Europe.

The illicit cargo was discovered hidden among a shipment of salt aboard the Cameroonian-flagged vessel 'UNITED S', which was intercepted in international waters near the Canary Islands. The ship had originated from Brazil and was en route to a European port. During the Spanish operation, 13 crew members were arrested, including four Turkish nationals, along with citizens from Serbia, Hungary, and India. The vessel was subsequently towed to the port of Tenerife.

Alleged Links and Ongoing Investigations

The extensive international operation involved cooperation with several law enforcement agencies, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), the Federal Police of Brazil, and authorities from France and Portugal.

Reports indicate that the cocaine shipment may be linked to Çetin Gören, a figure previously associated with Turkey's high-profile 'Bataklık' (Swamp) operation. Prosecutors have also ordered the seizure of assets belonging to several suspects and to United Shipping, also known as Kamer Shipping & Trading Co. The four Turkish crew members initially detained in Spain remain in custody there as judicial proceedings continue in both countries.