Police seized over 3.3 kg (7.27 pounds) of heroin at the Istanbul Airport, said a security source on Tuesday.
Between Jan. 15 and Feb. 3, anti-narcotics teams of police in Istanbul carried out four separate operations and found suspects were trying to smuggle heroin using the swallowing method, said the source on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
The police seized a total of 3.35 kg of heroin hidden in 284 capsules and 122 grams of opium gum hidden in eight capsules, it said.
Five suspects of Iranian origin were arrested and later remanded in custody by judicial authorities, it added.
*Writing by Gozde Bayar