Turkey arrests drug lord Islam Yakut in Istanbul after 9-year manhunt

September 11, 2026 at 02:19 AM1 min

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Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the arrest of Islam Yakut, alleged leader of an international drug trafficking organization, in Istanbul. Yakut had been a fugitive since 2017 and was detained in a coordinated operation involving the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, Istanbul Police, MIT, and the Anti-Narcotic Crimes Department. The organization is linked to 2 tons of seized narcotics in Turkey and Europe.

Key Facts

Islam Yakut was arrested in Istanbul after being a fugitive since 2017.
The operation was coordinated by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office with Istanbul Police, MIT, and the Anti-Narcotic Crimes Department.
The organization is responsible for 2 tons of narcotics seized in Turkey and European countries.
Yakut allegedly directed the organization using encrypted communication systems ANOM and SKY ECC.
The organization trafficked heroin from Iran and Afghanistan to Europe and synthetic drugs from Europe to Turkey.

Arrest Operation

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced the arrest on social media. The operation was carried out under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. Istanbul Police, MIT, and the Anti-Narcotic Crimes Department participated in the operation. Yakut had been a fugitive since 2017 and was detained in Istanbul.

Criminal Organization

Yakut allegedly managed the organization from hiding places in Turkey and abroad. He used encrypted communication systems ANOM and SKY ECC to issue orders to members. The organization organized heroin shipments from Iran and Afghanistan to Europe. It also organized synthetic drug shipments from Europe to Turkey. The organization is linked to 2 tons of narcotics seized in Turkey and Europe.

Official Statements

Gürlek emphasized the state's determination to fight drug barons. He stated that drug barons cannot escape the state's determined pursuit and justice. The minister vowed to continue the fight against drug traffickers targeting youth.