Investigation launched in Turkey following seizure of 10 tons of cocaine in the Atlantic

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the approximately 10 tons of cocaine seized by Spanish police on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean. It was reported that the Turkish owner of the ship has been detained, operations have been conducted at numerous addresses, and assets have been seized.

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Investigation launched in Turkey following seizure of 10 tons of cocaine in the Atlantic

A judicial process has been initiated in Turkey regarding the 9 tons and 994 kilograms of cocaine seized by Spanish police on the Cameroon-flagged vessel named UNITED S in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced that a file has been opened following allegations that the drug shipment is linked to a multinational criminal organization.

DETAILS OF THE INTERNATIONAL OPERATION

In the information provided by the Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that during a joint operation carried out off the Canary Islands on January 7, it was determined that 4 of the 13 crew members on the ship were Turkish citizens.

In this context, simultaneous operations were carried out at a total of 19 addresses in the provinces of Istanbul, Mersin, Tekirdağ, Kocaeli, Sakarya, and Hatay.

Çetin Gören, who is alleged to be the owner of the ship, along with 7 other suspects, were detained on charges of "establishing an organization," "drug trafficking," and "laundering assets derived from crime."

Furthermore, it was stated that attempts have been made to issue red notices for 3 fugitive suspects, and that the ship's crew, who are currently detained in Spain, are also included in the file as suspects.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR ACCOUNTS AND ASSETS

The statement noted that it was determined that ship personnel Kubilay Yalçın, Ali Osman Amanet, Remzi Karakaya, and Atanur Ateş are being held in custody in Spain. The text included the following statements:

"All movable and immovable assets, company and partnership shares, deposits and investment accounts in banks and financial institutions, and assets in cryptocurrency markets and exchanges belonging to suspects Çetin Gören, Ahmad Almassri, and United Shipping Gemi Acentalığı Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi (Kamer Shipping) have been seized ex officio by our Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. The seizure decision has been approved by the duty magistrate judge. The investigation is continuing with confidentiality and diligence."

News Source: 12punto