Turkey: 140,000+ smuggled cigarette packets seized

VAN, Turkey

Turkish security forces on Tuesday seized a total of 142,581 packages of contraband cigarettes in southeastern Turkey, according to security sources.

As part of anti-cigarette smuggling efforts, a total of 170 operations were launched between Jan. 1 and Feb. 29 in Van province, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

During these operations, 240 suspects were detained and eight were remanded in custody.

*Writing by Seda Sevencan