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In major anti-smuggling operations, authorities seized 12.5 tons of smuggled alcoholic beverages worth ₺15 million ($381,400) and separately confiscated over 10,000 liters of illegal ethyl alcohol.
Turkish Trade Ministry Customs Protection teams seized approximately 12.5 tons of smuggled alcoholic drinks valued at ₺15 million during an operation on the Gaziantep-Sanliurfa Highway.
The ministry announced the operation was initiated following an alert from the Vehicle Tracking System (VTS). Teams received notification that an ATS device had been removed from a truck, prompting Gaziantep Customs Protection Anti-Smuggling and Intelligence Directorate teams to launch the operation.
"During controls on the Gaziantep-Sanliurfa Highway, approximately 12.5 tons (23,694 bottles) of smuggled alcohol were detected in the truck. The market value of the seized products was determined to be approximately ₺15 million," the ministry statement said.
The smuggled alcohol and the vehicle were confiscated during the operation.
"As a ministry, in addition to physical inspections, we are continuously increasing our effectiveness in combating smuggling with our risk analysis systems supported by digital technologies," the ministry stated.
The ministry said it stands against illegal activities that threaten public health, disrupt commercial order, and cause tax losses.
"Ministry units' inspections and operations continue uninterrupted with the goals of protecting the national economy, ensuring fair competition, and guaranteeing citizens' security," the statement added.
In Adana, police Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime units seized 10,120 liters of smuggled ethyl alcohol and detained one person.
Provincial Police Directorate teams conducted an operation at a warehouse in the central Seyhan district, where they found the ethyl alcohol. The detained suspect's processing continues at the police station.
The Gaziantep operation investigation is being conducted through the Gaziantep Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.
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