Crackdown on Smuggling: Turkey Seizes Millions in Contraband

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.10.2024
Crackdown on Smuggling: Turkey Seizes Millions in Contraband
Turkish authorities have seized smuggled items worth millions during 2023 inspections, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, animals, and cultural artifacts.

According to Turkish media outlet Hurriyetdailynews, data on the crackdown on smuggling at border crossings and ports in 2023 has been released. During the inspections and operations conducted in 2023, approximately 1.15 million packages of smuggled cigarettes with a value of 46.2 million Turkish lira were seized. Additionally, around 1.2 million e-cigarettes worth 565.5 million Turkish lira (approximately 18.86 million US dollars), 7 million e-cigarette components worth 80.4 million Turkish lira, 8,670 live animals, and 3,924 historical, natural, and cultural items were confiscated.

 

As the import and domestic sale of smuggled e-cigarettes are prohibited and they are not subject to taxation, these items are not included in the potential fiscal revenue loss.

 

In the opening ceremony at the Istanbul headquarters of the Turkish Young Businessmen and Industrialists Association (TÜGİAD), Trade Minister Erman Bulut stated on January 8th that his department is making efforts to combat individuals engaging in unfair trade practices.

 

At this juncture, should we identify any disparities, unfairness, or excessive conduct in any sector or industry, we undertake investigations through our inspection team. If any legal loopholes are found, we promptly make the necessary adjustments.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

South Korea Implements Public Tobacco Harmfulness Management Program, Including 22 Harmful Components in E-Cigarettes
South Korea Implements Public Tobacco Harmfulness Management Program, Including 22 Harmful Components in E-Cigarettes
South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety convened the first 2025 Tobacco Harmfulness Management Policy Committee, finalizing new lists of harmful substances for cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and liquid e-cigarettes to be publicly disclosed from next year.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge, Forcing Convenience Stores to Rethink Backbar Layouts
U.S. Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge, Forcing Convenience Stores to Rethink Backbar Layouts
U.S. convenience stores are restructuring backbar displays as nicotine pouches and other modern oral products gain space amid regulatory and product-mix shifts. The New York Association of Convenience Stores reports nicotine pouch sales are up over 40% this year, while some chains are trimming cigarette facings and testing zero-nicotine and herbal alternatives.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI’s Smoke-Free Playbook: What Jacek Olczak Really Told Wall Street
PMI’s Smoke-Free Playbook: What Jacek Olczak Really Told Wall Street
At the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference on December 2, 2025, PMI CEO Jacek Olczak delivered a clear message: the company’s smoke-free shift is now its central strategy. From ZYN’s surge in the U.S. to IQOS’s global momentum and a changing regulatory tone, his remarks sounded less like an earnings update and more like a declaration of PMI’s smoke-free future.
PMI
Dec.03
Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia Proposes Mandatory Labelling of E-cigarettes from April 1, 2026
Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed introducing mandatory labelling for electronic cigarettes and other electronic devices used to consume nicotine, starting April 1, 2026. The draft resolution has been published on the regulatory portal. Under the proposal, market participants would be required to register with the national monitoring system and label products accordingly, as part of efforts to enhance state oversight of production and circulation.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Korea: IQOS ILUMA i “SELETTI” Limited Edition Sells Out in One Week; Prime Model Sells Out on Launch Day
Philip Morris Korea: IQOS ILUMA i “SELETTI” Limited Edition Sells Out in One Week; Prime Model Sells Out on Launch Day
Philip Morris Korea and Italian design brand SELETTI’s limited “IQOS ILUMA i × SELETTI” collection sold out within one week of launch, with the “Prime” model selling out on its first day of release.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes
Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Commission has approved a bill establishing a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, with penalties ranging from one to eight years in prison and fines between Mex$11,000 and Mex$226,000 (USD ≈$600–$12,300). The proposal sparked controversy among opposition lawmakers, who argued that the legislation criminalizes users rather than focusing on regulation and prevention.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai