World · Middle East · 10 hrs ago
Turkish customs seized 54.48 tonnes of drugs in January-October
Turkey’s customs teams seized 54.48 tonnes of drugs in operations between January and October.
The seizures took place at customs points across Turkey, though no specific locations were given.
Officials said teams used risk analysis, X-ray systems, detector dogs and other inspection equipment to check vehicles, passengers and goods considered high risk.
They also seized millions of e-cigarette cartridges and cigarette tubes, along with tobacco, cigarette products and alcohol.
Authorities said illegal goods without required tax stamps were sampled and then destroyed under the law.
The seizures aim to keep illegal goods out of circulation, protect public health and limit harm to the formal economy and fair competition.
The ministry said it would strengthen its technology and operational capacity and continue efforts to prevent smuggling.
Turkish customs enforcement teams seized 54 tonnes and 480 kilograms of drugs during operations from January to October.
The Turkish Trade Ministry said the operations also uncovered large quantities of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and alcohol.
Officials said risk analysis and targeted inspections helped identify vehicles, passengers and goods for checks.
The ministry said its anti-smuggling work aims to protect public health and economic security.
- Who
- Turkish Trade Ministry customs enforcement teams.
- What
- They seized 54 tonnes and 480 kilograms of drugs during customs operations.
- When
- January to October; the ministry reported the figures on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Customs points in Türkiye.
- Why
- The ministry said the operations aimed to prevent smuggled goods from entering the country and reaching the market, and to protect public health and economic security.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Customs enforcement teams carried out operations that seized 54 tonnes and 480 kilograms of drugs.
The Trade Ministry's seizure figures were reported by Habertürk.
- Drugs seized
- 54 tonnes, 480 kilograms
- Period covered
- January-October
- Electronic cigarette pods and cartridges
- 9,261,191
- Cigarettes seized
- 1,658,497 packs
- Alcohol seized
- 33,413 litres
What people are saying
We will continue to strengthen our teams' technological infrastructure and operational capacity to prevent the entry into our country and trade of all kinds of smuggled goods that harm human health, particularly narcotic substances.