A large-scale security raid was conducted in Istanbul, Turkey. During the operation, 819 individuals were detained, and hundreds of weapons and narcotic substances were seized.
According to reports, during the "Huzur İstanbul" ("Peaceful Istanbul") operation conducted in Istanbul on August 4, 315,909 individuals were checked. Among them were 396 suspects who had been wanted for various crimes.
The operation was carried out in two stages under the coordination of the Istanbul Public Security Directorate. In the first stage, checks were conducted at 195 checkpoints with the participation of 1,209 personnel. A police helicopter and five boats belonging to the Marine Port Directorate were involved in the operation.
In the second stage, checks were carried out in public places with the participation of 1,104 personnel.
During the raid, 18 unregistered pistols, 4 hunting rifles, 4 gas pistols, 180 rounds of ammunition, 607 grams of narcotic substances, and 618 narcotic tablets were found.
Additionally, 5,405 Turkish liras and 200 US dollars, allegedly obtained from the sale of narcotic substances, were also confiscated.
Law enforcement officers inspected 519 public facilities. Administrative reports were drawn up regarding five of them.
During the traffic safety checks, 41,292 cars and 2,040 motorcycles were inspected. Measures were taken against 2,528 vehicles and 67 drivers that committed violations.
A total of 3,461,014 Turkish liras in fines was imposed on violating drivers.
For reference, Uzbek citizens can stay in Turkey without a visa for 90 days. In cases exceeding this period, they are required to obtain an appropriate permit from the country’s migration authorities.
According to the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul, approximately 130,000 Uzbek nationals currently reside in Turkey. Of these, 80,000 live legally, while about 50,000 citizens remain in violation of migration requirements.
For comparison, in February 2026, the number of Uzbeks with the right to reside in Turkey was around 60,000, while illegal residents amounted to 70,000. Thus, within six months, the number of Uzbeks who obtained legal status increased by 20,000, while the number of illegal residents decreased by the same amount.
