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

Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco expands Ploom EVO stick lineup, rolling out four new variants in Japan in two phases
Japan Tobacco (JT) is adding four new EVO variants for its Ploom heated tobacco range—Green Mint, Cacao Mint Crystal, Tropical Lime Crystal and Sakura Regular—set to launch in two waves on Jan. 22 and Feb. 3. The initial release will be via the CLUB JT online store and Ploom retail stores.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK Disposable Vape Ban Fallout: Convenience Vape Units Down 20.8%, Retailers Hit by a “Triple Whammy,” Talysis Says
UK convenience insight agency Talysis says vape unit sales in convenience stores have fallen 20.8% and value sales 12.7% nearly eight months after the disposable vape ban took effect.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Michigan Senate Bill 786 Seeks to Ban Sale of Vapes With Metal Heating Elements
Michigan Senate Bill 786 Seeks to Ban Sale of Vapes With Metal Heating Elements
Michigan lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 786 on February 18, 2026, proposing to prohibit the sale or transfer of vapor products that contain heating elements unless those elements are made of or encased in glass or ceramic materials
Regulations
Feb.21
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA Posts Final ZYN MRTP Materials, Sets March 4 Deadline for Public Comments
U.S. FDA has released the final batch of materials for ZYN MRTP applications and set March 4 (11:59 p.m. ET) as the deadline for public comments to be considered in the agency’s review.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) said on Jan. 29 it has introduced “Electric Purple” as a new standard color option for its IQOS ILUMA i heated tobacco device lineup, covering three models with prices unchanged. The new color will be available from Jan. 29 via the company’s official online and store channels, with sales expanding to convenience stores and some tobacco retailers from Feb. 3.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
JT Launches Limited-Edition Ploom AURA “Fuchsia Flare” in Advance Sales Starting March 10
JT Launches Limited-Edition Ploom AURA “Fuchsia Flare” in Advance Sales Starting March 10
Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) began advance sales on March 10 for the fifth limited-edition color of its heated tobacco device “Ploom AURA,” named “Fuchsia Flare.” The product is available through the CLUB JT online shop and Ploom Shops nationwide at a price of JPY 2,980. From March 17, it will also be sold in limited quantities at convenience stores nationwide and selected tobacco retailers.
Mar.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai