Scandal at Antalya Airport: Confiscated Goods Not Destroyed, But Released to Market

Customs officials at Antalya Airport are under suspicion of illegally handling goods meant for destruction. Instead of destroying the products, they allegedly confiscated them and released them into the market.

According to the investigation, 10 customs officers have been detained; 5 of them are under arrest. Searches were conducted in their homes and vehicles. Among seized items were:

83 bottles of alcohol

851 packs of tobacco products

185 packs of perfume

95 packages of cosmetics

8 e-cigarettes and over 2,400 cartridges

Also, cash in Turkish and foreign currency was found.

The case is being prosecuted under charges of misappropriation (zimmet) and violations of the anti-smuggling law (Law No. 5607).

Authorities say they will intensify inspections particularly in customs and port zones to prevent such incidents in the future.