The fight against drugs and border security policy in Turkey

Abstract

Border gates are the main places where the economic and security interests of the countries are protected, and the entrances and exits to the country are kept under control. Governments determine different border policies based on their administrative structures and security threats on their borders. It would be shallow to talk about physical security alone regarding border security. Smuggling activities, terrorism, and the fight against drugs constitute important threat areas within border security. Due to its geopolitical position, Turkey has an important place in the international illegal drug trade. Within the scope of this study, the fight against narcotic crimes at the borders was evaluated in the context of Turkey's border security policy, and the relevant policies were discussed from the perspective of the process analysis approach. As a result of examples and examinations, the issues that cause confusion and weakness in Turkey's border security policy are mentioned.