Istanbul: Turkish security authorities have announced the arrest of the head of an international drug trafficking gang, marking a significant breakthrough in a long-standing investigation. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlik revealed that the arrest of Islam Yakut, a fugitive wanted since 2017, was executed by a coordinated effort involving the Istanbul Provincial Police, the National Intelligence Organization, and the Anti-Narcotics Directorate of the General Directorate of Security, in partnership with the Istanbul Public Prosecutor’s Office. Yakut was apprehended in Istanbul early Friday morning, concluding a nine-year international manhunt.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Justice Minister detailed that Yakut managed to operate an extensive drug trafficking network from various hideouts both within and outside Turkey during his years of evasion. The investigation uncovered the use of encrypted communication platforms “ANOM” and “SKY ECC,” which Yakut employed to relay instructions to his organization members. These platforms have been pivotal in forming the basis for global operations targeting organized crime syndicates.

The Turkish security authorities have linked Yakut’s network to the smuggling of heroin from Iran and Afghanistan into Europe, and the trafficking of synthetic drugs from Europe into Turkey. The network’s operations are associated with the seizure of approximately two tons of narcotics across Turkey and various European countries.

According to the Turkish judiciary, the prosecution and trial proceedings will soon commence to ascertain the specifics of the charges, the evidence available, and the individual responsibilities implicated in this extensive case.