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.

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

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 International Fails to Invalidate British American Tobacco Unit’s Vape Patent

The European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal upheld British American Tobacco’s Nicoventures Trading Ltd. vape patent, rejecting Philip Morris International’s objections. The board ruled that the patent’s use of predefined heater activation parameters not based on user puffs was novel and valid.

Nov.10

BAT Podcast with AACS CEO: Vape Policy Imbalance Fuels Australia’s Billion-Dollar Illicit Market

In BAT’s The Smokeless Word podcast, AACS CEO Theo Foukkare warned that high taxes and strict vape bans have fueled Australia’s AUD 10-billion illicit nicotine market and rising retail crime, urging urgent regulatory reform.

Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007

The Maldives has implemented a generational tobacco ban, effective November 1, 2025, making it the only country to permanently prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the policy aims to create a tobacco-free generation and includes a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, with fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (US$3,200) for violations.

Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai

U.S. FDA Unveils Next-Generation Agentic AI Tool to Boost Review and Regulatory Efficiency

The U.S. FDA has announced the agency-wide deployment of new agentic AI capabilities, providing all employees with an optional multi-step task automation tool. Building on the broad adoption of its earlier large-language-model system, Elsa, the FDA aims to use this next-generation AI workflow to accelerate product review, regulatory oversight, and internal operations, while maintaining strict human supervision and data security.