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

Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea launches TEREA “Shine Pearl” for IQOS ILUMA, expands capsule range to seven variants
Philip Morris Korea said on Feb. 5 it has introduced “TEREA Shine Pearl,” a new TEREA stick designed for the IQOS ILUMA heated-tobacco device. The company said the product delivers a cool sensation and adds a fresh, fruity note when the capsule is crushed, bringing TEREA’s capsule-based lineup in South Korea to seven variants.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings Signs Licensing Agreement with IKE Tech to Commercialize Age-Gated Vape Technology in the U.S.
Charlie’s Holdings has signed a licensing agreement with IKE Tech to commercialize an age-gated vape activation system in the U.S. The technology combines biometric authentication, BLE hardware, and a mobile app for continuous device-level age verification. The company plans to test-market the system with SBX nicotine analogue products this spring and may later apply it to PACHA-branded ENDS.
News
Jan.06
Two Florida Bills Move: One Restricts Vape Advertising, Another Rewrites Cigarette Tax Treatment for Heated Tobacco
Two Florida Bills Move: One Restricts Vape Advertising, Another Rewrites Cigarette Tax Treatment for Heated Tobacco
The Florida Senate Industries Committee advance SB 980, the “Florida Age-Gate Act,” which would restrict advertising, promotion, and open displays of certain nicotine dispensing devices that lack FDA marketing authorization, with escalating penalties. Separately, the Florida House Ways and Means Committee advance HB 377, which would exclude heated tobacco products from being taxed like cigarettes.
Jan.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vape sellers sue to block Texas law banning e-liquids from China and other “foreign adversaries”
Vape sellers sue to block Texas law banning e-liquids from China and other “foreign adversaries”
A group of vape distributors and retailers has sued to block enforcement of a Texas law that criminalizes selling or marketing vape products containing e-liquids made wholly or partly in China or in countries designated as “foreign adversaries” by the U.S. Commerce Secretary. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the U.S. Constitution because only Congress may regulate foreign commerce.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Hampshire Trading Standards Seizes £138,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes and Tobacco in 2025
Hampshire Trading Standards Seizes £138,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes and Tobacco in 2025
According to Hampshire County Council, its Trading Standards team confiscated 116,000 illegal vape and tobacco products in 2025, worth an estimated £138,000 — a record annual haul.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Cambodian's Phnom Penh Military Police continue crackdown after 300,000-device raid
Cambodian's Phnom Penh Military Police continue crackdown after 300,000-device raid
Phnom Penh Military Police said they have continued cracking down on locations selling electronic devices used for smoking chemicals, following a major raid last week that confiscated 300,000 electronic smoking devices.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai