Man sentenced to one year in prison for drug crimes

Lefkoşa, TRNC — Murat Gören has been sentenced to one year in prison after being convicted of possessing and selling illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine. 

The verdict was delivered on Thursday June 12 by the Lefkoşa Heavy Penal Court following a detailed examination of the case.

Gören was charged with the possession of 2.603 grams of methamphetamine, supplying 225 milligrams of the substance to another individual, and unlawfully obtaining 800 Turkish Lira from the sale of the drug. He pleaded guilty to all charges.

Delivering the verdict, the chief judge emphasized the severity of methamphetamine as a drug, labeling it one of the most serious controlled substances. She noted this as an aggravating factor in the sentencing.

However, the relatively small quantity of the drug was considered a mitigating factor in Gören's favor. The court further acknowledged that the defendant had obtained the substance from another source and sold it for profit, reinforcing the commercial aspect of his offense.

The judge cited precedents from the High Court, which recommend harsher penalties for individuals contributing to the spread of drug use through sales. She emphasized that selling drugs for profit plays a direct role in expanding the drug problem in society, and such behavior must be met with deterrent and effective sentencing.

The court also took into account a second case involving Gören—related to the possession of 9.398 grams of methamphetamine—consolidating both files during sentencing. The defendant had also admitted guilt in the second matter.

The judge noted that Gören has a prior conviction from 2021, which further influenced the severity of the sentence. Additionally, the court emphasized that Gören has been in custody since May 27, 2025.

“Given the seriousness and prevalence of such crimes, the public interest must be prioritized in sentencing,” the judge stated, underscoring the High Court's stance on the importance of deterrent punishment in drug-related offenses.

Taking into account both aggravating and mitigating factors—including Gören’s guilty plea, his status as a married father of two, and the early resolution of the case—the judge announced a prison sentence of one year.