A Suspect Was Caught with Drugs in his Stomach at Sabiha Gokcen Airport
One of the foreign suspects, A.B.L., was apprehended at Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Istanbul for drug smuggling in his stomach. The suspect had swallowed 55 capsules with 2.2 pounds (1.01 kilograms) of prohibited items to avoid security checks.
.webp)
Surveillance and Arrest
The Anatolian Chief Prosecutor’s Office for Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigations Bureau started spying on A.B.L. On November 25 from Sabiha Gökçen Airport following his arrival from Cairo, Egypt. On the strength of this information, the police officers arrested him at the airport. After the second examination, doctors found drug-filled capsules in his stomach.
The Suspect's Statement
A.B.L. was taken to the Anatolian Courthouse after receiving his medical treatment in the local hospital where he gave his statement to the prosecutor in detail.
He said that he was forced to traffic drugs. “This person was indebted to me $550 for textiles which were exchanged,” explained A.B.L. ‘He said to me, ‘If you take these capsules and go to Türkiye to drop off these substances to her, she will give me the money I am owed.” This is why I ingested the capsules and traveled to Türkiye. We were to pick up his sister from outside the airport. When I arrived, the police detained me. I did not plan to do anything wrong.”
A.B.L. apologized and said that he never touched drugs before and that he regretted what he did. He also revealed information on his background including the death of most of his family in Angola together with the hardship of catering for the remainder of the family.
Legal Proceedings
After that, A.B.L. was accused of drug importation and charged by the criminal court of peace on duty. The court issued a warrant for his arrest and he is detained as the investigation continues.
Sabiha Gokcen Airport Security
This case clearly shows that security teams at Sabiha Gökçen Airport are very cautious. Their quick action not only stopped the smuggling attempt but also proved that Türkiye is taking action and ready to fight against organized drug trafficking.
Since airports are usually centers in international smuggling networks, great measures and technology remain essential in combating the vice.
