Turkish security forces have seized about 3.6 tons of contraband tobacco in central Turkey, Hurriyet Daily News reported.

As part of anti-cigarette smuggling efforts a total of 170 operations were launched between 1 Jan and 29 Feb in the eastern Van province. According to the report, the police confiscated 3.6 tons of contraband tobacco and a total of 142,581 packages of contraband cigarettes. During these operations 240 suspects were detained and eight were remanded in custody, the report said.