A total of 2,996 suspects were arrested for drug and illegal gambling offences in an operation carried out in Turkey in March. According to Minister of Justice Akin Gürlek, 729 operations were undertaken with the coordination of the 171 Chief Public Prosecutor’s Offices across all 81 provinces.
Operations were also conducted across six provinces in Batman, Turkey, with 16 suspects arrested.
In total, 669 operations were against drug-related offences and judicial proceedings were taken against 9,185 suspects.
On his social media account, Minister Gürlek said: "Drug, illegal betting and virtual gambling crimes are a multifaceted danger that drags our young people into addiction and crime and threatens the peace and future of society. These crimes weaken our family structure, damage the social fabric, and expose individuals and families to irreparable victimisation.”
Turkey has continued its crackdown on illegal gambling and betting with authorities shutting down a large illegal betting ring involving transactions exceeding TL 15bn ($341.8m).
The operation took place in Batman where recently, 16 suspects were arrested for encouraging citizens to gamble on illegal betting sites and 332 million liras of account movements were detected in their accounts.
A statement made by the Gendarmerie General Command said: “the result of the work carried out by the Provincial Gendarmerie Command teams under the coordination of the KOM and Anti-Cyber Crimes Departments and the Batman Chief Public Prosecutor's Office."
"16 suspects with 332 million liras account movements were caught and arrested in the operations carried out for the crimes of establishing an organization for the purpose of committing a crime and illegal betting in six provinces based in Batman”.
In February 2026, Turkish authorities arrested 1,877 suspects in drug and gambling offences – signifying a further commitment to its fight against illegal activity.
These operations will continue throughout the country and Turkey has emphasised that people who encourage illegal betting and gambling, especially among young people will not be allowed to turn a blind eye.
Turkey issued 72 arrest warrants for illegal betting in February 2026
