Cocaine network from Turkey to France: Who owns the ship carrying 9 tons of cocaine? Here is the secret of the ship that departed from Istanbul...
The French Navy seized 9 tons of cocaine on the ship named Haliç-Equality, which belongs to a Turkish shipowner, during an operation off the coast of Martinique Island. The drugs, with a market value exceeding 3 billion dollars, have also made headlines in international media. So, who or whom does this ship belong to? Here are the details...
12punto
A ship belonging to a Turkish shipowner was stopped off the coast of Martinique Island in an operation conducted by the French Navy. During the operation, exactly 9 tons of cocaine were seized on the ship named Haliç-Equality.
While it was stated that the market value of the drugs, hidden in 250 packages, exceeds 3 billion dollars, the details of the incident and the weaknesses in Turkey's inspection mechanisms have become a subject of debate.
DEPARTED FROM ISTANBUL, REACHED SOUTH AMERICA
It was stated that the ship departed from Istanbul on November 12, 2024, and later turned its route to Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. The ship, which is estimated to have loaded cargo at the port of Guinea-Bissau, headed towards the coast of South America. However, the fact that it turned off its radar signals on December 28, 2024, increased suspicions that illegal activities were being carried out in an organized manner.
It was reported that the drugs seized as a result of France's operation near Martinique Island have a value that even exceeds the annual budget of some of Turkey's ministries.
BILLION-DOLLAR SHIPMENT ON A SCRAP SHIP
It was learned that the Haliç-Equality ship stopped in the operation belongs to Turkish shipowner H.B.T. and is in scrap status.
While it was stated that the market value of the ship is only around 200 thousand dollars, the use of a ship with such a low value in a shipment of this size drew attention.
QUESTION MARKS ARE GROWING
Questions regarding the source of the drugs, who they belong to, and why the ship was not subjected to the necessary inspections before leaving Turkey are occupying the agenda. Following the operation in France, eyes have turned to the lack of inspections in Turkey's maritime transport system.
İYİ Party MP Turhan Çömez asked the following questions in a statement he made on social media:
Why was a ship leaving Turkey not inspected?
Who is the owner of the 9 tons of cocaine?
How does this lack of inspection affect our international reputation?
FIFTH SCANDAL IN THE LAST 3 YEARS
It was announced that over 25 tons of drugs have been seized on ships belonging to Turkish shipowners in the last three years. It is stated that the total market value of the drugs seized in these operations exceeds 10 billion dollars.
THIS OPERATION WAS ALSO REFLECTED IN THE FRENCH PRESS
This major operation conducted by France has sparked harsh debates in public opinion while increasing concerns about Turkey's role in international drug routes. It is awaited with curiosity how Turkish authorities will proceed regarding the incident and what steps will be taken against the individuals connected to the ship.