Detected by drone: Million-lira fines for picnickers violating forest ban!
In Istanbul, 513 people who were picnicking despite the ban on entering forests were identified through drone surveillance; a total of 1 million 900 thousand 665 liras in fines were issued.
12punto
Administrative fines were issued to 513 people who were found to be picnicking in wooded areas in Istanbul's Sultanbeyli district, in violation of the ban on entering forests.
Teams from the Sultanbeyli District Police Department conducted day and night drone-assisted inspections around the Aydos, Teferrüç Tepe, Uzundere, and Şalgamlı State Forests to prevent picnicking and barbecuing in wooded areas during the restricted period.
By decision of the Istanbul Governor's Office, a ban on entering wooded areas is in effect in the city between June 8 and October 15. During the inspections, individuals who were picnicking in wooded areas despite the ban between June 8 and July 14 were identified through drone footage.
Following the footage, the locations were reported to motorcycle police units. After checks conducted by the teams on the ground, a total of 1 million 900 thousand 665 liras in administrative fines were imposed on 513 people.
During the inspections, 2 unlicensed pistols and 2 blank-firing pistols were also seized. Judicial proceedings were initiated against 6 people for the crime of "purchasing, accepting, or possessing drugs or stimulants for personal use, or using drugs or stimulants," and against 1 person for the crime of "manufacturing and trafficking of drugs or stimulants."
Three suspects who were determined to be wanted for various crimes were also taken into custody. It was reported that police teams will continue their inspections to ensure the protection of wooded areas and compliance with the measures taken.