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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 7

Written Answers. - Turkish Incident Investigation.

John Gormley

Question:

99 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the close ties between heroin smugglers and senior political and military figures in Turkey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/98]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the Susurluk incident. I am aware of the press reports on the incident which indicate that in November 1996 a car crash occured near the town of Susurluk in western Turkey in which a top police official and a convicted heroin smuggler were killed and a member of the Turkish Parliament was injured. Allegations in the media suggested the existence of collaboration between senior political and military figures and known drug smugglers.

Following the election of a new Turkish Government in June 1997, Prime Minister Yilmaz directed that an official investigation into the matter be undertaken. On receipt of the official report in January, Prime Minister Yilmaz announced his commitment to further investigations of the matter. I understand criminal proceedings are being prepared in light of the findings of the official investigation.

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