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

Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates PMI's marketing of smoke-free products, company denies wrongdoing
Italian anti-trust agency investigates Philip Morris International's promotion of smoke-free products, questioning potentially misleading language.
Oct.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of  Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian men arrested for illegally importing e-cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint, facing charges, court hearing on December 15. (20 words)
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PouchEx Stockholm 2025 — Where the Future of Oral Innovation Begins
PouchEx Stockholm 2025 — Where the Future of Oral Innovation Begins
PouchEx Stockholm 2025 is coming to Sweden, bringing together leading brands, technologies, and thought leaders to explore the future of smoke-free innovation. It will be one of the must-attend nicotine pouch events of 2025. 2Firsts is one of the official media partners of the event.
Oct.11
AG Miyares Argues Vape Ban Consistent with Federal Law, Seeks Dismissal
AG Miyares Argues Vape Ban Consistent with Federal Law, Seeks Dismissal
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and Tax Commissioner James J. Alex have asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes. They argue plaintiffs lack standing because the products are already illegal under federal law. The state denies claims of federal preemption and asserts sovereign immunity, maintaining that its ban aligns with its authority to protect public health.
Nov.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Consultation Highlights Tobacco Debate — 2Firsts Analysis Reveals Divide Between “Cessation” and “Harm Reduction” Approaches
EU Cardiovascular Health Plan Consultation Highlights Tobacco Debate — 2Firsts Analysis Reveals Divide Between “Cessation” and “Harm Reduction” Approaches
As the EU finalizes its Cardiovascular Health Plan, public feedback reveals a sharp divide over nicotine policy.A 2Firsts analysis of 677 submissions found that nearly one in four mentioned tobacco — highlighting tension between strict control and harm reduction approaches.
Oct.07
Russia’s State Duma May Soon Consider Full Ban on Vape Sales
Russia’s State Duma May Soon Consider Full Ban on Vape Sales
Russia’s State Duma will soon consider a proposal to impose a complete ban on the sale of vapes. The move follows President Vladimir Putin’s endorsement of a nationwide prohibition. Lawmaker Aleksey Volotskov said vape use has surged by 52% since early 2025, with illegal products now dominating 80% of the market.
Nov.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai