A Research on Turkiye's Drug and Stimulant Trends in the Context of the Amount of Substances Seized, Number of Incidents and Suspects Between 2010 and 2020

Abstract

The focus of this study is on narcotic stimulants extensively utilized in Turkiye. The purpose of the study is to describe, explain, and explore trends related to the data of drug substances involved in judicial proceedings from 2010 to 2020. This study employs qualitative research methods and adopts a case study design, centering on 'drug stimulants that are widely used in Turkiye'. Data from the Turkiye Drug Reports published by the General Directorate of Security between 2010 and 2020 were scrutinized through document analysis. The process analysis method was utilized for data examination. Firstly, each drug is individually examined, with an analysis of data on their progression over the years. Secondly, an analysis is conducted on the number of incidents, suspects, and the quantities of substances seized annually. The 11-year process analysis reveals that: i) Captagon, ecstasy, heroin, and cocaine show a slight downward trend, ii) Marijuana exhibits a stable trend, iii) Synthetic Cannabinoid substance demonstrates an increasing trend. Most notably, iv) The analysis based on the number of incidents and suspects indicates a significant upward methamphetamine trend particularly post-2016.