Berat Ekin Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Drug Offenses

The case, heard by the Nicosia Criminal Court, was concluded yesterday. The panel of judges, led by Füsun Cemaller and consisting of Senior Judge Vedia Berkut Barkın and Judge Tutku Candaş, delivered the verdict, which was read out by Judge Barkın.

The court heard that during the operation conducted by the Narcotics and Smuggling Prevention Directorate on February 10, 2024, Ekin’s residences in both Nicosia and Alayköy were searched. Authorities found 32 grams of cocaine mixed with prescription drugs, 190 grams of cannabis, 177 drug pills, a precision scale, and 24,000 TL in cash.

In his testimony, Ekin stated that he had smuggled the drugs from Adana, Turkey, hidden in cheese boxes, and brought them through the port of Kyrenia. He confessed to selling 26 grams of cannabis, 5 grams of cocaine, and 20 pills to an individual on December 15, 2023, for 36,000 TL. The remaining 24,000 TL found at his home was reportedly from the proceeds of that transaction. Ekin was facing charges in eight separate cases, all of which he admitted to.

Judge Barkın emphasized that drug-related offenses are a major threat to society, particularly young people, and that they are considered among the most serious crimes. The fact that Ekin was selling drugs and possessing multiple types of narcotics was considered an aggravating factor. The court also noted the danger of the specific drugs involved, especially cocaine and MDMA.

Despite the severity of the charges, Judge Barkın took into account Ekin’s clean criminal record, the fact that the cocaine was not pure, and his acceptance of the charges, which were seen as mitigating factors. As a result, Ekin was sentenced to three years in prison.