Turkish drug lord wanted by US and Interpol captured in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Cumhur Yakut was arrested after a huge police opearation. DHA photo/Handout

A most-wanted Turkish drug lord searched by Interpol and the United States for 13 years was arrested in Istanbul April 26. Cumhur Yakut, known as the "father of godfathers" and reportedly one of the four key names on the U.S. drug traffickers list, was captured following a huge police operation at his family's mansion at the Sarıyer district, on the European shores of the Bosphorus, that involved special intervention units and a helicopter.

Thought to be the head of a huge trafficking ring, Yakut was wanted on several drug charges, including the seizures of 520 kilos and 316 kilos of heroin in 2000 and 2001 respectively, the latter causing Interpol to issue a red notice alert for his arrest. Security forces discovered three months ago that Yakut had recently entered Turkey and was living in Istanbul.

Yakut broke both legs trying to flee during the police operation. According to the official account, he was drinking tea in the mansion's garden when police raided the house and, caught in a panic, jumped from a 5-meter-high wall. He was taken into custody after a short medical intervention at the hospital. A fake id was also seized during the operation.