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 Plans Unified Regulation for Synthetic and Look-Alike Nicotine Products
South Korea Plans Unified Regulation for Synthetic and Look-Alike Nicotine Products
South Korea Parliament discusses including "nicotine" in Tobacco Business Act; synthetic nicotine testing method established, awaiting legislation approval.
Oct.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Illegal Market Surges After Kazakhstan Bans E-Cigarettes; Telegram Becomes the Main Trading Channel
Since Kazakhstan banned e-cigarette sales in June 2024, transactions have gone underground, shifting to Telegram and some e-commerce platforms and making enforcement harder; related research indicates the ban has not significantly reduced demand.
Oct.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
IMiracle  Announces 2025 R&D Progress with Over 2,200 Patent Applications Worldwide
IMiracle Announces 2025 R&D Progress with Over 2,200 Patent Applications Worldwide
IMiracle announces significant R&D progress in 2025, with over 2,200 patent applications globally and 900 authorized patents.
Dec.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International
British Museum Ends Long-Running Sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International
According to The Guardian, the British Museum has ended its 15-year sponsorship with Japan Tobacco International after government inquiries into whether the deal breached WHO tobacco-control rules. Critics had long opposed the partnership, while the museum said sponsorship remains essential for its financial stability and public access.
Nov.20
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Special Report | Belarus to centralize vaping market under state supervision
Belarus is preparing to overhaul its vaping market under tight state control — from monopolizing imports to banning online sales and restricting retail licenses. Officials say nearly 77% of the disposable e-cigarette market is supplied illegally, prompting sweeping regulatory measures that have already sparked strong pushback from consumers and vape retailers.
Dec.03
China Boton Group Announces Temporary Trading Halt Pending Major Disposal Announcement
China Boton Group Announces Temporary Trading Halt Pending Major Disposal Announcement
China Boton Group Company Limited (Stock Code: 3318) announced that trading in its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) was temporarily suspended at 9 a.m. on December 8, 2025. The suspension was requested by the company pending the release of an announcement related to a “very substantial disposal.”
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai