Kyrenia Port Operation Leads to Conviction of Ship Captain and Crew Member

During the court session, Judge Temay Sağer read out the verdict against the defendants.

The judge stated that on December 2, 2021, the defendants unlawfully imported drugs containing 1 kilogram 936 grams and 670 milligrams of narcotic substances into the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) via sea route without proper authorization.

Additionally, the judge revealed that defendant Akın Barut imported an additional 500 grams of drugs into the TRNC from Kyrenia Port on August 1, 2021, and committed the offense of drug distribution with the same quantity.

Moreover, the judge disclosed that both defendants imported 9 firearms into the country.

Addressing the prevalence of drug-related crimes in court proceedings, Judge Sağer emphasized that drug smuggling cases constituted a significant portion of the court's docket, affecting the country's efforts to combat drug abuse.

Judge Sağer underscored the need to enhance security measures at Kyrenia Tourism Port, particularly highlighting Barut's repeated involvement in drug and firearm smuggling activities from the port. He urged authorities to take action to bolster port security, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for this purpose.

Regarding the defendants' roles in the crime, Judge Sağer noted that Ahmet Ünsal acted under Akın Barut's instructions and committed the offense of smuggling only once. Consequently, the judge deemed it appropriate to impose a lesser sentence on Ünsal compared to Barut.

Taking into account Barut's multiple instances of drug smuggling into different countries as an aggravating factor, Judge Sağer sentenced Barut to 9 years in prison and Ünsal to 5 years and 6 months in prison.