First AI-Assisted Drug Raid in Turkey: 305 Arrested
This article was translated automatically from Turkish. Türkçe orijinal ›
A notable operation in the fight against drugs was carried out in Turkey. As part of an investigation coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, a drug operation was conducted using artificial intelligence-supported analysis for the first time.
Law enforcement agencies identified 69 separate closed groups, through technical and digital investigations, that were found to be engaged in drug trafficking via social media and instant messaging platforms. AI-powered systems were used to analyze connections between the groups, user activity, and suspicious messages.
Simultaneous Operations in 14 Provinces
Following these investigations, simultaneous operations were carried out in 14 provinces, centered in Istanbul. During the operations, 305 suspects—street dealers commonly known as “torbacı” in the public—were taken into custody.
During searches of the suspects’ addresses, a large number of digital materials were seized, and it was reported that the data obtained could shed light on new investigations.
Investigations into Associated Individuals
Authorities reported that investigations into other individuals and networks linked to the identified groups are ongoing. It was stated that the investigation will be expanded and continued, and that further detentions may occur.
It was emphasized that this operation marks the first time artificial intelligence has been used on this scale in the fight against drugs in Turkey, and it was noted that the goal is to utilize technological methods more effectively in the fight against cybercrime.
