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

Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
Netherlands plans to raise nicotine purchase age to 21, including vapes
The Netherlands is planning to raise the legal age for buying nicotine-containing products from 18 to 21, a change that would also cover vapes. The move, embedded in the governing coalition’s latest agreement, aligns with a wider European trend toward tighter youth nicotine controls, though industry groups have criticised the proposal and warned it could fuel illicit trade.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens Brings Vapes Back to Some U.S. Stores; Juul Says It’s in or Near 6,000 Locations
Walgreens has begun selling vape products again in some U.S. stores, marking a notable reversal after the chain pulled vapes from shelves in 2019 amid concerns over youth use and health risks. Juul says it is expanding across thousands of Walgreens locations, and NJOY also lists Walgreens stores as retailers.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Fourth Circuit weighs federal preemption challenge to North Carolina’s vape sales restrictions
Fourth Circuit weighs federal preemption challenge to North Carolina’s vape sales restrictions
Vape manufacturers and sellers urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to find that the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) preempts North Carolina’s new law restricting the sale of certain e-cigarette/ENDS products.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Illegal Trade in Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Continues to Rise in Germany, BVTE and BDZ Call for Enforceable Regulation
Illegal Trade in Tobacco and E-Cigarettes Continues to Rise in Germany, BVTE and BDZ Call for Enforceable Regulation
BVTE and BDZ said at a joint press conference in Berlin on March 10 that illegal trade in tobacco products, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products continues to grow in Germany, posing challenges to the rule of law, youth protection, consumer protection and state fiscal authority. The groups said there is still no reliable overall statistic for the illegal trade in tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and oral nicotine products.
Mar.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Virginia HB 308 would overhaul tobacco and nicotine rules, and creating a vape “white list”
Virginia HB 308 would overhaul tobacco and nicotine rules, and creating a vape “white list”
Virginia’s HB 308 (Substitute) proposes a sweeping rewrite of how tobacco, nicotine and certain smokable hemp products are regulated, consolidating enforcement under ABC, requiring retailer permits, creating a vape product directory and escalating penalties for violations.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
Product | Clear Tank, Airflow Control and Three-Dimension Flavor Labels: RELX Launches Disposable DIVA in South Korea
RELX has recently launched its disposable e-cigarette, the RELX DIVA, on online channels in South Korea, offering two nicotine strengths of 0.98% and 1.98%. Publicly available information shows the device features a 20 mL e-liquid capacity and is rated for around 30,000 puffs, alongside a 750 mAh rechargeable battery and two power modes—BOOST and ECO—at approximately 16W and 13W, respectively.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai