Turkish Customs Crack Down on Smuggling Operations in Istanbul

Aug.26.2024
Turkish Customs Crack Down on Smuggling Operations in Istanbul
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.


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 Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
2Firsts Interview | Prague Move Puts Eastern Europe in Focus for Nicotine Industry Event EVO NXT
EVO NXT will move to Prague in April 2026. As an event’s official media partner for four consecutive years, 2Firsts recently interviewed the organisers, who said the relocation reflects strong growth in Eastern European markets for alternative nicotine products. They described EVO NXT as not a traditional trade fair but a business festival shaped by rapid changes in regulation, markets and technological innovation across the global nicotine industry.
Feb.03
Product | “Switch”-Style Design, Rated 30,000 Puffs: Open-System Klip’s Switch Edition Listed on French Channels
Product | “Switch”-Style Design, Rated 30,000 Puffs: Open-System Klip’s Switch Edition Listed on French Channels
The open-system e-cigarette Klip’s Switch Edition 30K has recently been listed on multiple French vape e-commerce channels. Channel information indicates the product is a collaboration between Fumytech and Tornadoliq and uses an open refill solution. The kit includes a 7 mL pod/cartridge and two 10 mL refill bottles, with a claimed total usage of around 30,000 puffs. The mainstream retail price is about €19.90.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
UK Court Sentences Shrewsbury Retailer for Illegal Vape and Counterfeit Tobacco Sales
A UK local authority has secured convictions against a Shrewsbury retailer and its former director for selling illegal disposable vapes, counterfeit tobacco and a nicotine vape to a minor, highlighting continued enforcement against non-compliant nicotine products.
Feb.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
South Korean Court Strikes Down Health Levy on Vape Nicotine Liquids, Citing Disproportionate Penalties
A Seoul court has annulled South Korea’s health-levy assessments imposed on multiple importers of nicotine liquids used for vaping. While the court agreed the nicotine could be treated as “tobacco” because it was found to be leaf-derived, it ruled the levy—stacked with other taxes and calculated on a blunt, volume-only basis—was so severe it effectively deprived businesses of the ability to operate, breaching constitutional proportionality and equality standards.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Morocco rolls out compulsory rules for e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches
Starting February 2026, Morocco will apply its first mandatory standard governing “smoke-free” products—covering e-cigarettes, muassel and nicotine pouches. Drafted by IMANOR, the standard introduces detailed requirements on composition, labelling, traceability and safety, and will apply to imported products. Consumer advocates say clear labelling and traceability are essential, while urging stronger public-awareness efforts and resources.
Feb.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Virginia asks Fourth Circuit to stay order blocking parts of its unauthorized-vape sales law
Virginia asks Fourth Circuit to stay order blocking parts of its unauthorized-vape sales law
Virginia has asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to stay a district court order that blocks enforcement of certain provisions of a state law restricting the sale of unauthorized vaping products. The district court held the law was preempted to the extent it enforced federal requirements under the FDCA and the Tobacco Control Act.
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai