Operation against illegal tobacco trade network leads to 22 arrests

Turkish law enforcement has dismantled an organized criminal network engaged in the illegal trade of tobacco and tobacco products. The operation, coordinated by the Istanbul Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch Directorate under the Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, aimed to prevent crimes related to the formation and management of criminal organizations and smuggling activities.

Following an investigation, authorities identified suspects allegedly involved in organized illicit tobacco and tobacco product trafficking, thereby causing significant tax losses to the state. These suspects were placed under surveillance. The operation culminated in simultaneous raids on designated addresses in Istanbul and Adıyaman, leading to the apprehension of 22 individuals.

During the searches conducted at the suspects' premises, a substantial cache of contraband goods and equipment was discovered. This included 1,762,600 empty cigarette tubes (makarons), 684,800 filled cigarette tubes, 1.486 tons of chopped tobacco, and 1,277,338 cigarette rolling papers. Additionally, authorities seized 9,000 empty cigarette packages, 6,520 packs of smuggled cigarettes, 237 kilograms of hookah tobacco, 3,923 packs of electronic cigarette tobacco, 5,786 cigars, 511 electronic cigarette and hookah devices, 195 electronic cigarette liquids, 4 compressors, and 8 cigarette-rolling machines, along with precision scales.