Turkey seizes 5.5M cannabis roots from terrorist PKK

Turkish security forces confiscated nearly 5.5 million cannabis roots in an operation targeting PKK terror group, officials said on Wednesday, reports Anadolu Agency.

In a statement, the southeastern Diyarbakir Governorship said local gendarmerie commando units carried out the operation in 72 different addresses in the Lice district between June 30 and July 2.

In addition to 5.43 million cannabis roots, 63 kilograms of hashish were also seized in the operation.

READ: Over 90 kg of cocaine seized in Turkey

Fifteen caves used by the terrorists were also destroyed during the three-day operation.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.

The drug trade is a major revenue source for the PKK’s terrorist operations. In Europe, the PKK controls 80% of the drug trade, reaping some $1.5 billion a year, according to Turkish Interior Suleyman Soylu.