Turkish customs authorities confiscated nearly TL 63 billion ($1.3 billion) worth of smuggled goods in the first six months of 2026, marking a sharp rise in anti-smuggling operations targeting narcotics, illegal trade and organized crime.
According to a statement released Thursday by the Ministry of Trade, Customs Enforcement teams carried out 3,433 operations between January and June using advanced risk analysis methods and next-generation screening technologies.
The operations resulted in the seizure of TL 62.7 billion worth of commercial goods and narcotics, a 79% increase compared with the same period last year.
Among the confiscated items were 37.9 metric tons of narcotics, 1.69 million machine parts, 880,365 electrical and electronic products, and 4.79 million medical supplies. Authorities also seized tobacco products, historical artifacts, fuel and textile materials.
June alone accounted for 640 operations, during which customs teams intercepted TL 22.4 billion worth of illegal goods and drugs, up 147% from the same month in 2025.
