Turkish police mount multi-agency raids, seize 2,400 e-cigarette devices

Sep.05

To protect youths ahead of the new school year, police in İzmir carried out a large-scale crackdown on smuggled tobacco and e-cigarettes with multiple agencies. Officers seized 70,305 cigars, 21,650 packs of cigarettes, and 2,420 e-cigarette devices. Judicial proceedings have been opened against 47 suspects.

Key points

Timing: Operation concentrated just before schools reopen, with a focus on safeguarding minors.
Seizures: 70,305 cigars, 21,650 packs of cigarettes, and 2,420 e-cigarette devices.
Coordination: Citywide inspections and raids led by the Anti-Smuggling Crimes Division under the coordination of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Valuation: Goods worth several million lira.
Legal action: 47 suspects placed under judicial investigation.

2Firsts, September 5, 2025 — According to İhlas News Agency (IHA), İzmir police launched a citywide operation targeting smuggled tobacco and e-cigarettes to protect children and adolescents before the start of the new academic year. Conducted under the coordination of the Republic Prosecutor’s Office, the operation combined focused inspections with surprise raids in priority areas and venues.

Police reported the seizure of smuggled goods valued at several million lira, including 70,305 cigars, 21,650 packs of cigarettes, and 2,420 e-cigarette devices. Given the appeal of such products to youths, enforcement was intensified in the weeks leading up to school reopening.

So far, judicial proceedings have been initiated against 47 suspects linked to the seized goods. Follow-up investigations will probe supply sources, storage sites, and sales networks to map upstream suppliers and downstream distribution chains.

References:

[1] İzmir'de Kaçak Tütün ve Elektronik Sigara Operasyonu: 47 Şüpheli

Also Read:

[1] Türkiye designates Artvin Province as a "smoke-free city" pilot, strictly controlling tobacco and e-cigarettes

[2] Police in Alanya District, Antalya Province, Turkey Seize Illegal E-cigarettes and Smuggled Cigarettes; Judicial Investigation Launched

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