The Ministry of Commerce reported that a large number of smuggled nicotine sacs, electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette tobacco were seized in the operation carried out at the Türkgözü Customs Gate.
According to the statement made by the Ministry, a vehicle driven by a foreign national who came to Turkgözü Customs Gate from Georgia to enter Turkey was closely followed within the scope of risk analysis. The vehicle, which was suspected to be able to smuggle smuggled goods into the country, was sent for x-ray scanning after the customs registration procedures. Upon detection of suspicious density in some parts of the vehicle as a result of the scan, a physical search was initiated.
The vehicle, which was taken to the search hangar by the Customs Enforcement teams, was subjected to a detailed control, especially in the suspicious areas. In the search, it was determined that there were many nicotine sacs, electronic cigarettes and electronic cigarette tobacco stashed in the spaces inside the vehicle doors and inside the trunk floors, which are suspicious areas. Among the contraband items unearthed one by one, especially nicotine sacs drew the attention of the teams. Thereupon, the items were also checked by detector dogs and a narcotic examination was carried out.
As a result of the operation, 3000 nicotine sacs, 100 electronic cigarettes and 100 packages of electronic cigarette tobacco were seized. An investigation was launched by the Posof Chief Public Prosecutor's Office regarding the incident.
Experts expressed the possibility that nicotine addiction may increase in users, since nicotine sacs used by oral intake are rapidly absorbed through saliva and stimulate the brain very quickly.