A Turkish lawmaker is under investigation for allegedly smuggling vapes. Police found a large quantity of smuggled equipment and accessories, including hundreds of e-cigarette cartridges and kits, in his vehicle. The head of Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) said there would be a monitoring investigation.
A Turkish lawmaker suspected of vape smuggling
Ensonhaber Turkish Republican People’s Party (CHP) reported on Sep 25 that Chairman Ozgur Ozel, under questioning by a journalist, was involved in a vape smuggling incident involving MP Ediz Un.
Police seize thousands of vape devices and accessories
Recently, Ediz Eun, a CHP councilor from the Turkish city of Edirne, was charged in connection with e-cigarette smuggling. Police found a large amount of smuggled vape equipment and accessories, including 530 empty vape cartridges, 2,242 vape kits, 2,790 vape butts, 1,275 vape igniters, 130 liquid cans, and 18 bottles of liquid. The driver was dealt with, the illegal cargo was taken into custody, and the MP said he didn’t know.
- “Given that some media outlets have published false and disinformation about me, I have a responsibility to make this statement. As a member of parliament for Edirne, under the leadership of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. I dealt with the problem of my country and Edirne and took the time to solve it.”
Ahead of his visit to the United States, the story of Ozgur Ozel of the Turkish Republican People’s Party (CHP) was echoed at the Istanbul airport. Ozel expressed satisfaction with Ediz’s response but stressed that he would be monitoring the process closely. He noted that Ediz had initiated judicial proceedings and filed a complaint with him.
In addition, the local anti-smuggling bureau revealed that many of the cars registered under the Ediz name had recorded several entries and exits in 2024. The frequent activity of these cars has caused further concern and investigation. At the same time, his assistant and the passengers of the vehicles involved were also dealt with, and their vehicles entered and left Turkey up to 61 times in 2024.
