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

Singapore’s Underground Vape Chain Revealed:How Dispatchers, Telegram Groups, and Small “Online Shops” Form an Operating Model
Singapore’s Underground Vape Chain Revealed:How Dispatchers, Telegram Groups, and Small “Online Shops” Form an Operating Model
A vape-related case reported by The Straits Times illustrates the typical operating methods of Singapore’s underground vape trade, including Telegram-based “online shops,” centrally coordinated scheduling, and small-volume, fragmented deliveries. The case highlights the segmented and concealed nature of the country’s black-market vape network. Drawing on the report, 2Firsts uses this case as a sample to map out the structure and operational patterns of Singapore’s underground vape chain.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers, through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), are calling for tougher action and more investment to tackle a “deepening black market” in illegal vapes, including illegal sales to children. SGF warns the problem will worsen, with negative health impacts, if incoming regulations on vaping product sales are not carefully crafted and if shopkeepers’ views are not heard.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China’s Tobacco Regulator Moves to Introduce Credit Management Framework for E-Cigarette Manufacturers, Greater Transparency May Improve International Assessability of China’s Supply Chain
China’s Tobacco Regulator Moves to Introduce Credit Management Framework for E-Cigarette Manufacturers, Greater Transparency May Improve International Assessability of China’s Supply Chain
China’s tobacco regulator has moved to introduce a credit management framework for e-cigarette manufacturers, outlining a system that links compliance records to regulatory oversight. The proposal forms part of a broader push to institutionalize supervision and improve transparency across China’s e-cigarette supply chain.
Jan.05
Product | Semi-Embedded Display + “Smart Memory System”: OXBAR Launches New Magnetic Vape MAGLINK
Product | Semi-Embedded Display + “Smart Memory System”: OXBAR Launches New Magnetic Vape MAGLINK
OXBAR has launched the MAGLINK vape on its official website, featuring a magnetic structure and a smart memory function. The website lists the device as offering 50,000 puffs, a 1500 mAh battery, and four adjustable power levels. The product has already appeared across multiple Canadian sales channels, where the stated puff count, e-liquid capacity, and other specifications differ notably from those shown on the official site.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov said during a live Q&A session that local authorities have no plans to impose a full ban on the sale of vapes and disposable e-cigarettes. He argued that a regional ban would be ineffective and could encourage gray market activity and cross-border resale.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco Launches Limited-Edition “Purple Dusk” Colorway for Ploom AURA, Priced at JPY 2,980
Japan Tobacco has launched the fourth installment of its limited-color series for the Ploom AURA heated-tobacco device, unveiling “Purple Dusk” . Priced at JPY 2,980 (about USD 18.7, tax included), it goes on limited early sale via official channels from Jan 13, before rolling out to convenience stores and other retail outlets across Japan from Jan 20.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai