16.02.2026 18:27
Two individuals caught with 13 kilograms of caviar in their luggage at Istanbul Airport were found to have illegally brought sturgeon eggs, which are under international protection and facing the risk of extinction. A total administrative fine of 94,794 lira was imposed on the suspects.
The attention of the customs teams at Istanbul Airport did not allow the illegal trade of endangered species. While attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of sturgeon caviar into Turkey, two individuals were subjected to legal action.
X-RAY SCAN REVEALED SMUGGLING
According to information obtained from the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, the incident occurred during routine checks by the customs enforcement teams. During the x-ray screening of passenger luggage, suspicious density was detected in two suitcases.
SPECIES UNDER PROTECTION IDENTIFIED
The suspicious suitcases were subjected to detailed examination by the fishery control officers of the Arnavutköy District Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that the seized products;
belonged to sturgeon, and were under international protection within the scope of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
HEAVY FINE IMPOSED
Legal action was taken against the two suspects who could not present the necessary legal documents for the importation of the caviar, in accordance with the Fisheries Law. While the smuggled products were confiscated, a total administrative fine of 94,794 lira was imposed on the individuals.