Türkiye seizes tobacco smuggling worth tens of millions of lira

Customs enforcement teams in Türkiye have seized smuggled goods worth approximately ₺33,179,000 (about US$729,938) during an operation at the Kapıkule Border Gate, the Ministry of Trade said.

The operation was carried out on April 19 2026, after a risk analysis flagged a lorry entering the country as suspicious, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The vehicle was directed to a secure inspection hangar for a detailed search.

Officials said inspectors uncovered a large quantity of undeclared and undocumented commercial goods, including 10,400 electronic cigarettes, 720,000 cigarette filters, 84 automotive parts, 215 boxes of vitamins and personal care products, and 2,520 pharmaceutical items.

The ministry said the total customs value of the seized cargo was calculated at ₺33,179,000 (approximately US$729,938, based on an exchange rate of 1 Turkish lira to 0.022 US dollars).

The case has been referred to prosecutors in Edirne, while investigations are continuing under the coordination of the Directorate General of Customs Enforcement.

Authorities said anti-smuggling operations would continue as part of efforts to protect economic security, prevent unfair competition and safeguard public health.

By Aghakazim Guliyev