Turkish Prosecutors Move to Detain Suspects in International Cocaine Smuggling Case

Istanbul, Türkiye: Turkish prosecutors have sought the arrest of 10 suspects in a widening investigation linked to the seizure of approximately 10 tons of cocaine aboard a vessel intercepted by Spanish authorities near the Canary Islands earlier this month.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office said on Thursday that statements had been taken from 12 suspects detained during coordinated operations across six provinces in Türkiye. After questioning, prosecutors requested the arrest of 10 individuals on charges including large-scale drug or stimulant trafficking and forming a criminal organization. The remaining two suspects were referred to court under requests for judicial control measures. Court proceedings are ongoing.

Spanish security forces intercepted the vessel, identified as UNITED S, on January 7 while it was sailing in international waters off the Canary Islands. Authorities recovered roughly 10 tons of cocaine during the operation. Thirteen crew members were detained by Spanish officials, including four Turkish nationals, according to Turkish prosecutors.

In response to the seizure, Turkish law enforcement launched a parallel investigation targeting alleged organizers and facilitators of the smuggling network. Seven suspects were initially taken into custody in Türkiye on charges that include establishing a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and laundering proceeds of crime.

Prosecutors have also issued arrest warrants for three suspects believed to be outside the country and have begun procedures to request Interpol Red Notices. Meanwhile, four crew members remain in custody in Spain, and five additional suspects have been detained in Türkiye as authorities continue to pursue what they describe as an international narcotics trafficking network.

The investigation remains active, with further arrests possible as judicial processes advance in both Türkiye and Spain.