A ship in the vicinity of Zeytinburnu iron zone was deemed risky by the Customs Protection teams according to a statement from the Ministry. Despite the approval of the customs declaration as empty in the Port Single Window System, a search resulted in the seizure of a total of 144,280 packets of untaxed cigarettes in the chain compartment and tanks of the ship.
The investigation revealed that the market value of the illicit cigarettes was determined to be 8,767,572.41 Turkish liras. Legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects on board the ship.
The Ministry of Trade announced that the vessel, lying in the Zeytinburnu iron zone, was identified as risky by the Customs Protection teams. An analysis conducted through the Ministry of Trade’s Ship Tracking systems led to the assessment of the ship as risky.
Despite the approval of the customs declaration as empty in the Port Single Window System, a search of the ship led to the discovery of a large quantity of untaxed cigarettes in the chain compartment and tanks. The market value of the smuggled cigarettes was determined to be over 8.7 million Turkish liras.
Legal action was initiated against the suspects found on the ship, as the investigation into the smuggling operation continues. The Ministry of Trade emphasized the importance of their Ship Tracking systems in detecting and preventing smuggling activities.
The Ministry of Trade highlighted the success of the Customs Protection teams in intercepting the illegal shipment. They commended the thorough analysis and search conducted by the teams, leading to the discovery of a significant amount of untaxed cigarettes on board the ship in the Zeytinburnu iron zone.
The Ministry stated that they would continue to be vigilant in monitoring and tracking vessels in order to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling. They urged all parties involved in maritime transport to comply with regulations and declarations to avoid such incidents in the future.
