Turkish police have arrested a suspected leader of an international criminal organization in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district.

The suspect was wanted by Belgian authorities through Interpol. The operation was carried out by Istanbul police units specializing in counter-narcotics and intelligence, according to TRT Haber.

Investigators identified the suspect by the initials S.G. and allege that he headed a major network responsible for shipping cocaine from Colombia to European countries.

He is suspected of organizing the transportation of two tonnes of cocaine concealed in six tonnes of copper powder. The criminal network is believed to have generated substantial profits from the illegal drug trade.

Following the completion of the necessary procedures, the suspect will be referred to judicial authorities, which will consider his extradition to Belgium.