'Mercek-24' operation in 81 provinces: Thousands of unlicensed weapons seized

Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya announced that 1,975 weapons were seized and legal action was taken against 1,878 suspects in the "Mercek-24" operations targeting arms smugglers and those carrying unlicensed weapons in 81 provinces.

In a statement on his X account, Ali Yerlikaya stated that the operations were carried out by provincial gendarmerie commands and provincial police departments across 81 provinces against arms smugglers and individuals carrying unlicensed weapons. Yerlikaya noted that as a result of the operations, 1,975 unlicensed weapons were seized in homes, workplaces, public areas, and during roadside searches. Yerlikaya also shared the information that legal action was taken against 1,878 suspects.

Yerlikaya stated, "We will continue to catch those who provide unlicensed weapons one by one and deliver them to justice. With your prayers and support, our fight against criminal groups who want their own dark order to prevail will continue without interruption." 

“MERCEK-24” operations were carried out in 8??1?? provinces against Arms Smugglers and Individuals Carrying Unlicensed Weapons??

As a result of the operations:
??9??7??5?? Unlicensed Pistols,
??4??1??0?? Pistols Converted from Blank-Firing Guns,
??3??3?? Long-Barreled Rifles,
??5??5??8?? Unlicensed Hunting Rifles, for a total of:… pic.twitter.com/FW72IFRXxx

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) September 3, 2024