The operation at Istanbul Airport took place on April 26. The Ministry of Trade's Customs Enforcement Smuggling and Intelligence teams took action following analysis work they had previously conducted on two passengers, Taylor Astle Johnson and Holly Ann Cooper, who were arriving from Thailand and transferring to a flight to London.
The two passengers, who were followed by teams at the airport, were detained as soon as they disembarked from the plane at gate B5. After identity and passport procedures, the suspects were referred to the Customs Enforcement unit for a detailed search.
During the checks, green plant fragments were found in 17 separate vacuum-sealed bags inside the suitcase belonging to Taylor Astle Johnson. In a rapid test conducted by security officers, this substance was determined to be cannabis. While the cannabis, with a total weight of 19 kilos and 260 grams, was seized, it was announced that the market value of the drugs was around 17 million 334 thousand lira.
Footage of the operation was also captured by security cameras; the final moments of the suspects at the airport and their detention were recorded.
The two British passengers, whose interrogations were completed, were arrested by the court they were brought before and sent to prison.
News Source: 12punto
