In a major accomplishment, U.S. law enforcement agencies have successfully uncovered a vast methamphetamine network spanning multiple continents. The operation has identified at least one major Turkish national as a key player in organizing the international drug trafficking scheme. The operation also revealed that Turkey has become a key hub for global narcotics trafficking over the last several years.

One primary individual outlined in the affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California is Opinder Singh Sian. Sian is a Canadian resident who is noted as conspiring to export massive quantities of methamphetamine. He was mentioned in the affidavit as going by the aliases Cain, Thanos, and Opie. The Turkish national mentioned in the affidavit is identified as Ibrahim Ozcelik.

A third individual, Hakan Arif, was also mentioned in the complaint as a Turkish national who was one of Sian’s main suppliers.

The DEA’s investigation into this methamphetamine ring began in June of 2022. At the time, the office received intelligence regarding senior officials in Turkey being complicit with the ongoing drug trafficking. After looking into the situation, undercover operatives were able to determine that major drug shipments were being coordinated from Turkey into Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. These drugs would ultimately come into the U.S. from either South America and Mexico, Canada, or ports in Southern California.

Some of the key figures implicated in the drug trafficking ring are tied to the Erdogan government and the National Movement Party. This connection is concerning, considering the National Movement Party is known to have significant influence on Turkey’s law enforcement and judiciary decisions. It’s highly suspected that the group may be offering political and criminal protection to traffickers involved in the scheme.

One significant fact mentioned in the complaint is that Sian and his drug trafficking partners also dealt with fentanyl precursors. The traffickers would obtain the dangerous substance from China and then smuggle it into the US.

One whistleblower, Cemil Onal, had previously attempted to state that bribes were being paid to the former vice president of Turkey, Fuat Oktay, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan also served as the head of Turkish intelligence. Onal was tragically assassinated after speaking out about these allegations.

International Drug Trafficking and Extradition

When you get involved in criminal activities that span across multiple continents, you run the risk of facing criminal charges in a foreign country. If that happens, then you can expect your country to receive an extradition request.

An extradition request means that the other country is asking your country to send you to them to face criminal prosecution. The United States currently has an extradition treaty with Turkey, so accused Turkish nationals could be extradited to the U.S. if they are accused of trafficking drugs into America.

Are you concerned about potential international criminal charges or the possibility of extradition? Our international attorneys at Bukh Global can help. Please leave your contact details on our online form to schedule a complimentary call with our legal team.