Turkish anti-narcotics police have seized 150 kilos (330 pounds) of heroin and detained 17 suspects in three separate operations in the European quarter of Istanbul, the Anatolia news agency reported Saturday.
Police found the first haul of 16.4 kilos in Aksaray district and detained ten people, the report said, quoting a police statement.
Officers seized another 67 kilos of the drug in Bahcelievler as it was being loaded onto trucks, it added.
Seven suspects were taken into custody in connection with the haul.
In the last operation, police raided a house in Fatih district and seized 66.6 kilos of heroin, the agency said.
The western market value of the heroin was estimated at around 4.4 million dollars (3.8 million Euros).
The agency did not say when the operation took place.
Turkey is a major drug smuggling route between Asia and Europe.
Since January, Turkish police have seized more than four tons of heroin in operations across the country – ANKARA (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
