Notorious drug trafficker caught in Istanbul: "Cage-25" operation nets international fugitive

In a successful operation dubbed "Cage-25" in Istanbul, Turkish authorities have apprehended Eric Schroeder, the alleged ringleader of an organized crime group wanted by Germany.

Ekleme: 27.12.2023 10:16:51 / Güncelleme: 27.12.2023 10:16:51 / English News / İstanbul Haberleri
Destek için 

Schroeder, sought by Interpol on a German Red Notice, was accused of orchestrating a large-scale drug trafficking ring and money laundering scheme.

German authorities accused him of involvement in trafficking 784 kg of marijuana and 154 kg of cocaine across 24 cases.

He was reportedly connected to the "Hells Angels" motorcycle gang and involved in a cocaine container robbery.

Additionally, Schroeder allegedly collaborated with another international drug trafficker, "Joseph Johannes Leijdekkers," for money laundering across Europe.

Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya praised the success of the operation, assuring the public of unwavering commitment to combating organized crime and drug trafficking.

“We will not let international organized crime organizations and poison dealers disturb our people's peace, regardless of their size or reach. We will put them all in cages one by one,” Yerlikaya said in a statement on X.

Yerlikaya commended the police officers involved and emphasized their determination to "cleanse our country from national and international organized crime organizations and poison traffickers."

Schroeder's capture represents a significant blow to international drug trafficking networks. The operation highlights the continued collaboration between international law enforcement agencies in their fight against organized crime. Furthermore, it underscores the Turkish government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens from the illegal activities of such groups. (ILKHA)