The irregular migrants, including 3 children and 3 women, were discovered crammed into the trailer of the truck in the Adilcevaz district, according to the statement.

The driver of the truck was arrested on a charge of human smuggling, the statement said.

The necessary procedures for the deportation of the migrants have been launched, it added.

Historically, Turkey has been a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and was a crossroads between Europe and Asia.

Recent regional events have contributed to Turkey increasingly becoming a major destination and transit country for those fleeing conflict, poverty, and disasters.

Turkey hosts one of the largest migrant and refugee populations in the world. 

According to the official reports, the Turkish coast guard intercepted 21,473 irregular migrants in 2021, up from 19,368 in 2020. (ILKHA)