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

2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
As regulation tightens and innovation matures, competition in the new tobacco industry is shifting. In its 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry report, 2Firsts examines how heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and vape products are moving beyond feature-driven upgrades toward system-level design, where experience management, compliance structure, and engineering capability increasingly shape long-term competition.
Jan.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey councillor calls for tougher vape sales controls, seeking the “most restrictive legally supportable” package
Surrey Councillor Gordon Hepner presented a notice of motion calling on council to “wage war on vaping” by strengthening controls on the sale of vaping products in the city, citing vaping as a “serious health concern,” especially among youth. Hepner said the motion directs staff to bring back the “most restrictive legally supportable” package from the City’s 2019 bylaw work to materially reduce where and how vape products can be sold, including licensing controls and enforcement.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers, through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), are calling for tougher action and more investment to tackle a “deepening black market” in illegal vapes, including illegal sales to children. SGF warns the problem will worsen, with negative health impacts, if incoming regulations on vaping product sales are not carefully crafted and if shopkeepers’ views are not heard.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canada: “I Want My Pouches” launches during National Non-Smoking Week to push easier adult access to nicotine pouches
Canadian consumer advocacy group I Want My Pouches announced its launch during National Non-Smoking Week, calling for straightforward, consistent and practical adult access to nicotine pouches.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use among Spanish students aged 14–18 hits historic lows
Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use among Spanish students aged 14–18 hits historic lows
Spain’s 2025 Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education (ESTUDES), presented by the Ministry of Health, reports historic lows in alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption among students aged 14 to 18. The survey shows past-30-day drinking fell from 56.6% in 2023 to 51% in 2025, tobacco use from 21.0% to 15.5%, and cannabis use from 15.5% to 11.6%.
Feb.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over  $13,000
Russia’s Kirov seizes unmarked vape liquids worth over $13,000
Police in Kirov, Russia, seized unmarked nicotine e-liquids for vapes worth more than 1 million rubles (about $13,000, using 1 ruble = $0.013) in a case involving a 27-year-old entrepreneur. Officers confiscated over 700 bottles from five retail outlets and found more than 8,000 additional units at a warehouse.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai