Statements on Terror-Free Turkey and Security from Interior Minister Çiftçi
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi emphasized in statements made in Yalova that the terror-free Turkey process is progressing positively, and that the fight against organized crime and drugs is being pursued with determination.
Speaking at the AK Party Yalova Provincial Presidency, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that the terror-free Turkey process is progressing very well in terms of domestic and foreign circumstances, and shared the steps taken regarding new-generation crime syndicates, drugs, and stray street animals.
Terror-Free Turkey Process
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi made important evaluations regarding the terror-free Turkey process at the AK Party Yalova Provincial Presidency. Stating that the process is progressing extremely well in terms of domestic and foreign circumstances, Çiftçi emphasized that they are on the verge of saving the state and the nation from the 50-year scourge of terrorism.
Stating that the process is being monitored with great care by the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT), and other state organs, Çiftçi drew attention to the significance of not having given any martyrs for two years.
Combating New-Generation Crime Syndicates
Stating that a determined struggle is being waged against organized crime gangs trying to fill the void following the terror-free Turkey process, Çiftçi said that they have declared 2026 as the year of combating new-generation crime syndicates. He announced that 1,675 operations targeting 600 new-generation crime syndicates have been carried out in nine months.
Expressing that crime syndicate members who fled abroad are also being tracked, Çiftçi noted that the extradition of 714 individuals from new-generation organized crime syndicates has been secured within this year and that this struggle will continue uninterrupted.
Anti-Drug Fight and Prison Data
Stating that 40,000 operations have been organized this year within the scope of the fight against drugs, Minister Çiftçi reported that 33,750 people were arrested as a result of these operations. He conveyed that out of the 432,000 people in prisons across Turkey, 113,000 are inside for drug-related crimes.
Warnings to Families and Children
Drawing attention to the fact that new-generation crime syndicates generally use children between the ages of 15 and 18, Çiftçi called on families to closely monitor their children. He added that public order and narcotic practices around schools have been increased.
Efforts Regarding Stray Street Animals
Stating that they are following the issue of stray street animals with sensitivity, Çiftçi announced that a 99.7 percent collection rate has been reached across Turkey. He reported that all stray street animals will have been collected in Istanbul by October 15 and in Diyarbakır by October 30.