Drug and Commercial Goods Seizures Surge in Turkey, Methamphetamine Up 550-Fold Since 2017

Summary:
Official data from Turkey’s Ministry of Trade show a sharp rise in drug and commercial goods seizures in recent years. Compared with 2017, cannabis seizures have increased nearly sixfold, while methamphetamine seizures have surged 550 times. Precious metals now account for more than half of the total value of seized commercial goods, reflecting a significant shift in smuggling patterns.

Seizure Trends Since 2017

An analysis of the Ministry of Trade’s seizure statistics for commercial goods and narcotics reveals notable fluctuations over the past eight years.

Between 2017 and 2019, the total value of both drug and commercial goods seizures declined. A sharp increase in drug seizures was recorded between 2020 and 2021, followed by another decline in 2022 and 2023.

However, from 2024 onward, seizures in both categories have risen dramatically, multiplying year-on-year.

While it is not possible to draw a direct causal link, observers note a visible difference in seizure volumes between the tenure of former Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu and his successor Ali Yerlikaya. The data show a marked increase in enforcement outcomes in the more recent period.

Precious Metals Dominate Commercial Seizures

A breakdown of commercial goods reveals striking changes in composition.

In 2017, authorities seized approximately $5 million worth of precious metals. By 2025, that figure had risen to $715 million. Over the 2017–2025 period, the share of precious metals in total seized commercial goods increased from 1% to 53%.

This shift coincides with extensive media coverage of gold smuggling. Analysts point to the significant price gap between gold in Turkey and Gulf countries as a potential driver of cross-border arbitrage and illicit trade.

Although the dollar value of seized vehicles, electronics, and weapons/ammunition has increased, their relative share of total seizures has declined. Meanwhile, the value of seized tobacco and alcohol products is $5 million lower than in 2017.

Methamphetamine Seizures Spike

The Ministry reports heroin, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine seizures in kilograms, while ecstasy is reported by unit count.

Since 2022, seizures of cannabis and especially methamphetamine have risen sharply. Compared with 2017:

• Cannabis seizures have increased nearly sixfold.

• Methamphetamine seizures have increased 550-fold.

Seizure data can reflect not only operational intensity but also shifts in the scale and structure of the illicit drug market.

January 2026 Snapshot

In January 2026 alone, the estimated value of seized narcotics approached 5 billion Turkish lira.

During the same month:

• Seized precious metals exceeded 1 billion lira.

• Textile products worth more than 400 million lira were confiscated.

• Vehicles valued above 300 million lira were seized.

Historical artifacts, agricultural products, and weapons/ammunition ranked lower in value compared with other categories.

Broader Implications

The data point to a structural transformation in both drug trafficking and commercial smuggling patterns in Turkey. The dramatic rise in methamphetamine seizures suggests a shift in trafficking routes and consumption trends, while the dominance of precious metals reflects changing incentives in cross-border trade.

Whether these figures primarily reflect stronger enforcement, expanding illicit markets, or both remains open to interpretation. What is clear is that seizure volumes and values have entered a new phase of expansion in recent years.

Source:  SUSAM Newsletter

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