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

COP11 Concludes with Major Decisions on Global Tobacco Control
COP11 Concludes with Major Decisions on Global Tobacco Control
The Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) concluded in Geneva on November 22, with 160 Parties adopting major decisions on tobacco and nicotine regulation, environmental protection, sustainable financing, and tobacco industry liability. A landmark decision mandates a complete ban on the use and sale of tobacco and all novel nicotine products across all UN premises worldwide.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Zealand Health Ministry launches e-cigarette and nicotine pod procurement project for smoking cessation services
New Zealand Health Ministry launches e-cigarette and nicotine pod procurement project for smoking cessation services
Health NZ launches e-cigarette and nicotine pod procurement project for 29 government-funded smoking cessation services, following WHO guidelines.
Oct.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. 25 Attorneys General Urge Shopify to Block Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
U.S. 25 Attorneys General Urge Shopify to Block Illegal E-Cigarette Sales
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the City of New York co-led a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general in urging Shopify Inc. to take stronger measures against merchants selling illegal e-cigarettes and other tobacco products through its platform. The letter calls for cooperation between Shopify and U.S. states to address the persistent sale of unapproved vaping products.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New York AG Seeks to Shut Down Vape Shops, Ban Owners from Industry
New York AG Seeks to Shut Down Vape Shops, Ban Owners from Industry
New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a petition seeking to permanently shut down two smoke shops and ban their owners from the vape industry for repeatedly selling illegal flavored vapes to minors and operating without valid licenses. The nearly 50-page complaint names Eysa Sharhan and Ahmed Mozeb and their stores — Pop-In Smoke & Vape LLC, Pufftopia LLC, and Royalty Tobacco LLC — accusing them of a “persistent pattern of illegal activity.”
Oct.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
ceshi
ceshi
Nov.04
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria Q3 2025 Earnings Report: Net Revenue of $6.072 Billion and Launch of on!PLUS in the U.S.
Altria reported Q3 2025 net revenue of $6.072 billion, a 3.0% year-on-year decline. Adjusted EPS increased 3.6% to $1.45. The company expanded its share repurchase program to $2 billion and launched the on!PLUS nicotine pouch in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.
Oct.31 by 2FIRSTS.ai