BRUSSELS—instituDE has released a new report titled "Turkey’s Growing Role in Global Cocaine Trafficking." The report outlines Turkey's rise as an emerging market for cocaine trafficking. This is the first comprehensive written report on this subject to date.
The report provides a thorough analysis of how Turkey's geographic location, evolving political landscape, and growing organized crime activities have created favorable conditions for cocaine smuggling. It further explains how the erosion of the rule of law, lenient naturalization policies, and relaxed financial regulations have attracted international organized crime groups to the country.
"This report uncovers the concerning dynamics that have enabled Turkey to emerge as a key player in the global cocaine trade," said İmdat Öner, a member of instituDE and co-author of the report. “Our findings emphasize the need for decisive policy implementations to address this growing threat.”
Key Findings:
- The report estimates that the total value of cocaine trafficked through Turkey is likely within the range of $2.9 to $5.8 billion per year. This is a conservative estimate based on prices cited by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its reports and the assumption that seizures en route to or within Turkey account for 10–20% of the total trafficked cocaine through the country.
- Erosion of legal norms and weakened criminal justice institutions in Turkey have created an environment in which illegal activities, including illicit drug trafficking, can flourish with lowered risk of detection and punishment.
- Organized crime groups in Turkey have historically been involved in facilitating the drug trade. Recently, however, certain mafia organizations linked to the Turkish far-right have emerged as key players in establishing cocaine trafficking connections with Latin American cartels.
- Despite efforts to intensify anti-money laundering operations, the root causes of the increased drug trade in Turkey persist. High-profile arrests of international drug lords are often followed by their release, suggesting systemic issues within the judicial and law enforcement systems.
Recommendations:
In response to these findings, the report outlines policy recommendations to address Turkey's role in the global cocaine trade. Key recommendations include:
- Implementing judicial reforms to reinforce the independence of the criminal justice system and eliminate political interference in prosecuting organized crime cases.
- Tightening citizenship and residency policies to prevent exploitation by criminals and implementing stricter financial oversight to combat money laundering.
- Strengthening border control and increasing surveillance at key entry points, especially maritime routes, to disrupt cocaine smuggling operations.
- Enhancing international cooperation with law enforcement agencies and Latin American governments to disrupt the supply chain of cocaine trafficking.
About instituDE:
instituDE is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting diplomacy, human rights, and economic stability worldwide. We provide in-depth analysis, policy recommendations, and support to governments, organizations, and individuals committed to upholding democratic values and international security.
Contact Information:
For interviews with instituDE experts, please contact us at info@institude.org.
Click here to read the full report and recommendations.
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