Turkish forces make drug haul off Libyan coast

Turkish security forces have seized 13 tons of illicit drugs from a Bolivian-flagged vessel in international waters off the coast of Libya.

According to Turkey’s Interior Ministry, the haul of marijuana was found during an air-supported operation by Turkish security forces northeast of Tobruk late on Tuesday.

According to the ministry, the Turkish Security Directorate’s anti-narcotics unit received information on the Bolivian-flagged ship and contacted the Turkish Coast Guard.

The Turkish Coast Guard determined the location of the ship on Jan. 3 and began pursuit with a plane and a ship.

The operation was authorized by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Bolivian government and in line with UN treaties on drugs trafficking.

Officials say the ship will be brought to the nearest Turkish territorial waters to finish legal procedures.

The Interior Ministry said it was Turkey’s first security operation in international waters. Ministry officials also said the 13 tons of marijuana was the biggest amount of illegal narcotics seized in a single operation.

Anadolu Agency