afrinpost-Exclusive
Turkish authorities arrested a Turkmen IDP named “Mohammed Khiro” (37 years old) in Afrin city on July 26th, on charges of selling alcoholic beverages (arak) in the occupied city.
The Turkish authorities imposes a ban on the sale and production of alcoholic substances and beverages in the northern Syrian areas under its control. Ironically, these areas have become hubs for drug trafficking and abuse by its SNA (Syrian National Army) armed groups, facilitated by elements within the security apparatus.
The authorities conduct alleged campaigns to pursue drug traders and promoters to cover up the involvement of their leaders in these illicit activities. On July 15th, the “Faylaq al-Sham” militia, supported by the military police, announced a crackdown on drug traders and promoters in the city of Al-Bab, eastern Aleppo countryside, using their Telegram and Facebook pages.
In a suspicious move, they leaked the names of the wanted individuals on social media, allowing those involved in dealings with the armed militia leaders to escape the city just hours before the campaign’s launch.
