INTERNATIONAL — April 8, 2026
Turkish Police Detain 18 Afghan Migrants in Tokat Province
Turkish police in Tokat province detained 18 Afghan migrants hidden in a cargo truck carrying dates and pistachio oil, arresting the driver for suspected smuggling. The migrants, who entered irregularly via Iran, were sent to a removal center for deportation.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press — 2 min read
TOKAT, Turkey (Afghan Verified) — Turkish police detained 18 Afghan migrants on Tuesday in the central province of Tokat after finding them hidden inside a cargo truck carrying dates and pistachio oil.
The discovery occurred during a police operation in Tokat province. The migrants had entered Turkey irregularly via the Iranian border and were being transported by smuggling networks, local media and officials reported.
The truck driver was arrested on suspicion of migrant smuggling and referred to judicial authorities for further proceedings.
The 18 Afghan nationals were taken into custody and subsequently transferred to a removal center in Tokat, where they will undergo deportation proceedings.
This incident is part of Turkey's ongoing operations against irregular migration, which have intensified in recent years to curb unauthorized entries and human smuggling activities across its borders.
Read the original reporting at Khaama Press →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Khaama Press) provides direct, concrete, checkable details: specific location (Tokat province), date (Tuesday, April 8, 2026), exact number (18 migrants), smuggling method (hidden in truck with dates and pistachio oil), citing local media and officials.
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Khaama Press
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Afghan migrants, Turkey, Tokat, migrant smuggling, deportation
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