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

Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
Poll Shows Britons Favor Regulation Over Bans on Nicotine Pouches
A new poll commissioned by We Vape UK reveals that most Britons favor regulation — not prohibition — of nicotine pouches. The survey shows broad public support for harm-reduction policies and frustration with weak government regulation, contrasting sharply with Ireland’s recent decision to ban disposable vapes and impose strict limits on nicotine products.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
South Australia Issues Closure Orders to 100 Stores over Illicit Tobacco and Vapes
South Australia has imposed 28-day closure orders on 100 stores caught selling illicit tobacco and vapes since new ministerial powers took effect on 5 June. The State Government has seized about $50 million worth of illegal products, including over 41 million cigarettes, 140,000 vapes and 13,585 kilograms of loose tobacco. Two long-term closure orders have been issued and five more are before the Magistrates Court, supported by a $16 million illicit tobacco taskforce and tough new penalties.
Nov.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Belgian Drug Commissioner Warns of Hidden Opioids in Illegal Vapes
Belgian Drug Commissioner Warns of Hidden Opioids in Illegal Vapes
Belgium’s drug commissioner Ine Van Wymersch has warned that more than 80% of illegal refillable vape capsules seized in Belgium contain synthetic opioids, posing serious risks of early addiction among children. She told Euronews that these substances, which have no distinctive smell or color, could lead to opioid dependence from a young age.
Dec.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | “2+20” Configuration and Magnetic Semi-Enclosed Design: JNR Open-System E-cigarette Enters the UK Market
Product | “2+20” Configuration and Magnetic Semi-Enclosed Design: JNR Open-System E-cigarette Enters the UK Market
The e-cigarette brand JNR has recently launched its open-system product, JNR Whale, in the UK market, with the device now available through online retail channels such as Vape Sourcing and IDEA VAPE. The product features a 2+20 ml refillable configuration, combined with a dual mesh coil and a magnetic design, and is priced at approximately £11.99 across retail channels.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Face Trial Over Woman’s Lung Cancer Death in Massachusetts
Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Face Trial Over Woman’s Lung Cancer Death in Massachusetts
According to Law360, the family of Maria Petruzziello has taken Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds to trial in Massachusetts, alleging the companies are responsible for her 2019 lung cancer death after decades of smoking. Plaintiffs argue her experience mirrors many smokers, while the defense points to her years-long cessation and personal choice.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Thailand’s latest national health survey shows a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people under 30, particularly among female adolescents. Researchers found that vaping has not reduced overall tobacco harm and has instead driven growth in new nicotine users, with younger ages of initiation. Public health experts urged sustained enforcement and comprehensive policies centred on banning e-cigarettes, strengthening law enforcement and expanding public awareness to protect children and youth.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai