Mustafa Çiftçi announces new measures in the fight against drugs

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated in his speech at the panel titled "The Role of Media in the Fight Against Drugs" that the number of operations carried out against drug production and trafficking from the beginning of 2026 to April 25 has reached 17 thousand 188.

Drawing attention to the broad social and security impacts of these operations, Çiftçi expressed that in the fight against crime, not only operational successes but also preventive measures that close the paths leading to crime are being brought to the forefront.

A THREAT DIRECTLY LINKED TO TERRORISM

Çiftçi emphasized that drugs directly concern not only public order but also national and regional security. "Drugs create a source of funding for terrorist organizations. In other words, drugs are a dark main artery that feeds many crimes. Drying up this artery is our most fundamental responsibility as a state and our debt to our nation. This struggle is a struggle to protect the future of our children. It is a struggle to preserve our family institution. It is the will to protect the peace of our nation, the security of our state, and the strong future of the Century of Turkey," he said.

Pointing to the responsibilities brought by Turkey's geographical location, Çiftçi stated that the country's fight against drugs is not limited to border security alone, but also carries a strategic determination against international criminal networks and regional instabilities.

NEW SECURITY UNDERSTANDING: PREVENTIVENESS

Çiftçi stated that as the Ministry of Interior, they have put forward a security paradigm that shapes the "Century of Turkey" vision and focuses on the individual, the family, and the future. He said that within the scope of the new approach, operations alone are not enough, and they have adopted a holistic and preventive approach where crime risks are identified at the source, youth are protected, and family awareness is increased.

COOPERATION WITH CIVIL SOCIETY AND PRODES SUPPORT

Minister Çiftçi touched upon the importance of involving citizens and non-governmental organizations in the fight. At this point, he noted that grant support is provided to non-governmental organizations through the Project Support System (PRODES) carried out by the Ministry's General Directorate of Relations with Civil Society. It was stated that by supporting the projects of associations within the scope of PRODES, both the institutional capacity of civil society is increased and contributions are made to the solution of social problems through public-NGO cooperation.