Identification of an expired drug supply network in Turkey
Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Akin Gurlek, reported that 22 people were detained in an operation against a network that repackaged and sold expired cancer drugs.
Gurlek announced that within the framework of the investigation into this case, arrest warrants were issued for 24 suspects, and 22 of them have been detained so far.
Emphasizing a firm stance against those responsible for these actions, Turkey’s Minister of Justice stated that they will not allow people who endanger patients’ lives and exploit their hope for recovery to gain illegal profit in this way.
He also emphasized that the fight will continue resolutely against networks that threaten public health, ignore the treatment safety of cancer patients, and seek income through violations.
According to Gurlek, criminal activities related to the repackaging and domestic and international sale of expired cancer drugs have been extensively investigated.
Twenty-four suspects have been identified, including three public officials, four companies, and five businesses. It has also been determined that the total transaction volume of the suspects and companies linked to this case was approximately 650 million Turkish lira, and their financial transactions did not match their declared commercial activities. Simultaneous operations were carried out in 11 provinces of Turkey, centered on Istanbul, against the suspects and five businesses linked to the case. During the operation, 22 people were detained, and efforts continue to arrest two other suspects.
