3. OVERVIEW ON THE BASIS OF THE TRAFFICKING METHODS

3.1. Illicit Drug Trafficking by Land Transportation Vehicles

The number of the vehicles used in the illicit drug trafficking was increased significantly in the last two years (Table-8). In the last two years particularly the passenger cars and coaches (bus) were more intensively used by the traffickers. Such vehicles are preferred to transport illicit drugs between specific spots inside the country.

Illicit drug trafficking via passenger coaches particularly between Diyarbakir and Istanbul was noticed by the Narcotic Units. Diyarbakir and Istabul Narcotic Units initiated risk analysis studies.

For years, Turkish law enforcement agencies did not face with drugs trafficking in special caches in vessels. However in May 2007, 131 kg of hashish, which were concealed in a special cache in a foreign flagged vessel, were seized in the operation carried out in Istanbul based on intelligence.

3.2. Illicit Drug Trafficking at Airports

In 2007 the operations carried out at Turkish airports were reached to the highest level of the last five years (Graphic-24). 95,7% of these operations were conducted at Istanbul Atartirk Airport.

It is realized that hashish and ecstasy seized at the airports are used for individual purposes; whereas, heroin, cocaine and opium seized at the airports are being trafficked. Heroin and opium are trafficked abroad over Turkey and cocaine is trafficked into

3.3. Illicit Drug Trafficking Concealed on Body and Personal Belongings

Illicit drug traffickers use couriers to transport drugs from one spot to another, which are to be sold at the streets. Couriers conceal drugs in their bodily spaces or in personal belongings such as suitcase, sports bag, etc.

30 operations were conducted in 2007; and 100 kg heroin, 13 kg hashish, 79 kg cocaine, 8 kg opium and 4400 ecstasy tablets were seized. 50% of these operations were conducted at airports.

3.4. Illicit Drug Trafficking Through Parcel and Packages Sent by Post

Illicit drug trafficking organizations started to exploit parcels and packages sent by post in the last two years (Graphic-25). This method is preferred by the criminal organizations while trafficking illicit drugs abroad, since this method is less risky.

                                   
In the past generally opium and cocaine were trafficked in parcels and packages sent by post. It is striking that hashish and heroin that are concealed in parcels and packages were also seized in the operations in 2007 (Table-11). In fact heroin is generally trafficked to the EU over Turkey in land transportation vehicles.