Clash erupts between gendarmerie and suspects during drug operation

A major incident occurred in the evening hours on Metin Street in Istanbul's Bahçelievler district. Following a long-term planned surveillance operation by the Eyüpsultan District Gendarmerie Command, it was determined that 3 individuals were conducting a drug transaction. When the Gendarmerie Criminal Investigation Teams (JASAT) attempted to intervene, the suspects drew their weapons and opened fire on the security forces. Two gendarmerie personnel were injured in the clash.

The three suspects attempted to flee the scene, speeding away in a vehicle identified with the license plate 34 PT 598. The vehicle, pursued by gendarmerie teams, crashed on Kıbrıs Street in Bağcılar. Following the accident, suspects H.K. (17) and O.I. were taken into custody by teams from the Bağcılar District Police Department. A large-scale search operation has been launched to apprehend the third suspect.

The Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation into the apprehended suspects for crimes including "Resisting a Public Officer," "Violation of Law No. 6136," and "Attempted Intentional Homicide."

STATEMENT ON THE OPERATION FROM THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE

Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek issued a statement regarding the incident on his social media accounts, stating the following:

"The opening of fire on our heroic gendarmerie during a drug enforcement operation in Istanbul is a clear attack on the determined struggle our state is conducting within the framework of the law. Those who draw weapons on public officials on duty will be held accountable before the law; the peace and security of our citizens will be protected with determination under all circumstances. Our fight against drugs, armed criminal organizations, and all kinds of dark structures targeting our youth will continue uninterrupted and without compromise. On this occasion, I wish a speedy recovery to our injured Gendarmerie Specialist Sergeant and wholeheartedly congratulate our Gendarmerie and JASAT teams for their courage and sacrifices."

The operation to apprehend the remaining suspect and the judicial process are ongoing.

News Source: 12punto