In an operation carried out Friday, Jan 10, by Turkish police units from the Mersin Customs Security and Anti-Smuggling Directorate, 35 people -- including 10 customs personnel -- were detained for alleged involvement in bribery, Today’s Zaman reports.

According to a written statement from the Customs and Trade Ministry, the operation was conducted after the ministry and the Central Mediterranean Customs and Trade Zone Directorate received several letters stating that some customs personnel and shipping companies were involved in bribery.

During pre-dawn raids at several locations in Mersin, police detained 35 people. The Mersin Prosecutor's Office has ruled for confidentiality in the case, meaning the media will not be able to report details of the case.