Statement from Mustafa Çiftçi regarding organized crime gangs

Operations carried out in Turkey within the scope of the fight against organized crime organizations and drugs have once again come to the fore with the statements of Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi. Participating in a television program, Çiftçi reminded that the year 2026 has been declared a priority year for the fight against organized crime, drugs, and issues concerning stray animals.

Stating that 796 operations were conducted in the last four months, Çiftçi noted that a large number of people were captured from the 311 gangs targeted in these operations. The Minister emphasized that the threat these structures pose to society is increasing, using the expression, "New-generation criminal organizations have no principles, moral rules, or codes of conduct; they can even touch women and children."

Çiftçi stated that 221 people were arrested in a simultaneous operation covering 8 provinces centered in Adana, and that a local organization active there was rendered inoperable. He also reported that various pieces of evidence and cash were seized in an illegal betting operation coordinated across 7 provinces in Gaziantep.

DECLINE IN INSPECTIONS AND TRAFFIC

Minister Çiftçi stated that there has been a noticeable decrease in rule violations following the new traffic rules that came into effect on February 27. Pointing out that while vehicle inspections have increased, the number of drivers penalized has decreased, Çiftçi announced that a 10% reduction in daily loss of life has also been observed.

Touching upon the positive effects of technology, Çiftçi stated that images of rule violations are quickly identified and transferred to the penalty process. Reporting that there has been a remarkable decrease in tachograph, drifting, and speed violations, he said that these rates have decreased by 78%, 62%, and 60% respectively.

MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS AND THE MOTOR COURIER ISSUE

Drawing attention to the changing dynamics of risks in traffic, Minister Çiftçi stated that the share of motorcycles in total vehicles has increased rapidly in recent years. He noted that the number of motorcycles, which was 3.3 million in 2019, reached 7.3 million in 2025. Çiftçi noted that the rate of accidents involving motorcycles has risen to 50.2%, and that although motor couriers make up a small portion of the motorcycle-riding population, the accidents they are involved in account for 19.8% of the total.

NEW LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STEPS

On the other hand, Interior Minister Çiftçi announced that work is underway on steps to improve the working conditions of the police. Stating that a joint effort is being made with deputy ministers and the General Directorate of Security to implement the 12/36-hour work system, which has been on the public agenda for a long time, Çiftçi said that regulations regarding the payment of overtime will come into effect at the beginning of 2027.

Regarding the night watchmen (bekçiler), he announced that working hours have been left to the discretion of the governorships and that daytime shifts are now possible. He stated that in this way, security measures can be taken more widely.

Çiftçi expressed that the work on the new Police Organization Law is nearing its end and that the current legislation, which has been in force since 1937, cannot meet changing needs. He noted that the new draft law will be put on the agenda after being negotiated with the relevant institutions.

SCHOOL SECURITY AND METU INVESTIGATION

Stating that regular meetings are held every month regarding the security of schools and that night watchmen and village guards are also on the field in risky areas, Minister Çiftçi emphasized that it is not possible to assign police to every school due to the current personnel structure, and therefore important duties fall to school administrations and families.

Sharing his views on the events at METU (ODTÜ), Çiftçi said, "We evaluate this as an open provocation. It is impossible to forgive the disrespect shown to our flag. Our security forces reacted quickly and the individuals involved in the incident were caught." He stated that six people were detained, the investigation is ongoing, and the number of detainees may increase.

He also added that within the scope of the work, three provinces will be removed from the eastern service (şark hizmeti) requirement, and the number of such provinces will continue to decrease gradually.

RESPONSE REGARDING THE PORTRAITS OF THREE LEADERS

Minister Çiftçi spoke about the discussions regarding the portraits of Sultan Abdulhamid Han, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in his office: "Abdulhamid Han is the leader of the 19th century, Atatürk of the 20th century, and our President is the leader of the 21st century. Sultan Abdulhamid is, in the words of our professor İlber Ortaylı, the 'Last Emperor,' and I have great admiration for him," he said. He concluded the discussion with the words, "Both our ancestor Sultan Abdulhamid and the founder of our Republic, Atatürk, are ours; we have infinite respect for them all."

News Source: 12punto