Crackdown on Smuggling: Turkey Seizes Millions in Contraband

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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

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