ISTANBUL, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 28 suspects in operations across the country targeting an armed criminal organization, local media reported on Thursday.
According to Anadolu Agency's report, the police carried out simultaneous operations at 30 addresses in the regions of Kahramanmaras, Antalya and Malatya, targeting an armed criminal organization allegedly engaged in "armed robbery and usury."
During the operation, 28 suspects were taken into custody. They were found to have carried out illegal armed activities and forced individuals to sign promissory notes after lending them money at high-interest rates.
Searches conducted at the suspects' residences and vehicles led to the seizure of signed blank promissory notes, promissory notes issued for various amounts, check leaves, and weapons, including handguns, shotguns with ammunition, as well as machetes and swords.
The cases are still under police investigation, said the report. ■
