7.6 Billion Lira Worth of Smuggled Goods and Drugs Seized in Turkey
The Ministry of Trade of Turkey announced in a statement that efforts to combat smuggling and illegal trade in January 2026 increased by 121% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The statement read: “As a result of successful operations by customs units in January 2026, a 121% increase in seizures was recorded compared to the same month of the previous year, and smuggled goods and drugs worth 7 billion 655 million Turkish Lira were seized. The seized narcotics were also destroyed.”
According to the Ministry of Trade’s report, during these operations, various goods worth 706 million 689 thousand lira, textile materials worth 418 million 286 thousand lira, as well as a significant amount of drugs and other prohibited items ranging from fuel and livestock to tobacco, tobacco products, and historical artifacts were confiscated.
The Ministry of Trade statement emphasized: “No form of smuggling will be tolerated. Customs units, and the anti-smuggling and intelligence departments of this Ministry, utilizing expert personnel, advanced technology systems, and improved analytical methods, will not tolerate any smuggling activity that harms the national economy, creates unfair competition, disrupts businesses, threatens public health, or exposes young people to addiction. Turkish Customs will resolutely continue its fight in 2026 to maintain public order, secure state revenues, and protect public health.”
