EXPATS and foreign tourists may have been left wandering what on earth was happening when droves of police swarmed Didim last Friday night (Aug 22).

It appears that it was part of a surprise mass raid across the district to check on businesses and individuals – and all in the name of peace and security, and generally to re-asssure the public.

The upshot was that a foreign business woman’s visa was found to be in breach of the law and one wanted person was arrested.

A total of 1,500 people were questioned or had their Turkish IDs checked; 197 businesses were checked as well as 136 vehicles and drivers stopped during the operation between 10pm and 1am.

Of the 197 businesses checked, 21 may face legal action for alleged breaches. An unlicensed 9mm pistol was also seized.

The main focus of the presence of 210 officers from Didim and Altinkum police forces, anti-smuggling and supervision bureau, the security bureau, traffic police and Aydin Security Directorate, was on Altinkum’s promenade and surrounding streets, Ataturk Boulevard and Ege Cad.

Teams of police were also reported in Akbuk, Fevzi Pasha district and Mavisehir.

Didim Municipality’s Directorate of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, Didim Tax Office and the district health directorate also took part in the three-hour operation.