Baghdad: Turkish police in the southern port of Mersin have seized 350 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard a cargo ship. The Interior Ministry revealed that the ship had arrived from a South American country.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, police and customs officials acted on prior intelligence regarding the presence of drugs on the vessel. During the search, authorities discovered and confiscated 12 packages containing the cocaine, along with diving equipment and an underwater scooter.

The Interior Ministry further disclosed that nine individuals have been detained on charges related to drug manufacturing and trafficking.