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.

References:

[1] Smuggled goods worth billions seized at borders

Also Read:

[1] Successful Seizure of 488 Phones and 45 E-cigarettes in Turkey

[2] Large-scale Operation Targets Violations; 488 Phones and 45 E-cigarettes Seized

[3] Police in Bilecik Successfully Crack down on Tobacco Smuggling

#Europe #Law enforcement #Turkey #Smuggled cigarettes

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

PMI Japan Unveils Limited-Edition IQOS ILUMA i “Galaxy Blue,” Priced Around $47

Philip Morris Japan announced it will release the limited-edition IQOS ILUMA i “Galaxy Blue” across IQOS stores nationwide starting October 29, priced at JPY 6,980 including tax (about USD 47). The new model features a space-themed design, with a members-only promotion to run at the Nagoya IQOS store.

Oct.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Philip Morris International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent

The European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal upheld British American Tobacco’s Nicoventures Trading Ltd. vape patent, rejecting Philip Morris International’s objections. The board ruled that the patent’s use of predefined heater activation parameters not based on user puffs was novel and valid.

Nov.10

WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade

The Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products opened in Geneva on November 24, 2025. With 60 Parties participating, the meeting focuses on strengthening legal action and international cooperation to combat illicit trade, which accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market and costs governments billions in lost tax revenue.

Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Argentine province of Santa Fe passes bill expanding smoking regulations to include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products

The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”