Turkish Customs Crack Down on Smuggling Operations in Istanbul

Aug.26.2024

Turkish customs seize 700kg of crystal meth and 30,700 e-cigarettes in two separate operations in Istanbul and Kapikule.

According to a report from Ensonhaber on August 24, the Turkish Customs Protection General Directorate seized approximately 700 kilograms of methamphetamine and 30,700 e-cigarettes in two separate operations at the Istanbul and Kapikule customs offices aimed at combating smuggling.

The operation in Merxin was coordinated and led by the Intelligence Bureau of the Customs Protection General Administration. Customs Protection personnel at Merxin first used the land border vehicle tracking system to query the latest records of vehicles.

In response to this case, the prosecutor's office has initiated an investigation process.

References:

[1] Mersin'de çalıntı 56 milyon TL değerinde 9 lüks araca el konuldu

Also Read:

[1] Turkish Police Seize Millions Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes

[2] E-Cigarettes in Turkey: A Booming Black Market Amid Bans and Raids on Prominent Brands

[3] Turkey Imposes Higher Taxes on Tobacco Products in August

[4] Turkish Customs Seize $907,795 Smuggled E-Cigarettes, Including ELFBAR, in Istanbul Port

[5] Major Police Operation in Istanbul Leads to Seizure of Contraband

#Europe #Law enforcement #E-cigarettes #Turkey

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 “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead

2Firsts hosted “Decisive 2026” in Shenzhen, bringing together industry perspectives to examine major shifts in the U.S. new tobacco market in 2025 and their global implications. Sessions covered U.S. market dynamics, technical insights from recently PMTA-authorized products, an investor lens on tobacco capital markets, and 2025 news/product highlights. The event underscored a structural shift from “gray business” toward compliance and sustainable growth, expected to become clearer by 2026.

Jan.09

Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports

Maldives Customs data shows that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659 million (about US$42.8 million) since the country banned the import and use of electronic cigarettes. Authorities said most seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. The largest single case involved 10,800 vapes, resulting in a fine of MVR 108 million (about US$7.02 million).

Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Morocco Lawmakers Propose Excise Taxes on Vapes, Hookah, and Nicotine Alternatives

Members of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) have submitted amendments to Article 7 of the Finance Bill, introducing new excise taxes on e-cigarette liquids, hookah accessories, and non-tobacco nicotine products. The proposal also revises VAT exemptions and insurance tax rates to enhance fiscal fairness and revenue clarity.

Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Malaysia’s Home Ministry Urges Study of IQOS Tobacco Device Ahead of Potential Legislation

Malaysia’s Home Ministry has recommended that the National Poison Centre conduct a study on the IQOS heated tobacco device, developed by a leading global tobacco company. Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the research would help the government prepare future legislation addressing emerging nicotine technologies. While health risks remain uncertain, officials stress the need for proactive, adaptable legal frameworks.