What did Turkish customs officers discover at the Turkey-Iran border?

Turkish customs officers discovered 85 live pigeons stowed inside a truck at the Gurbulak border crossing along the Turkey-Iran border.

What is the scale of the global wildlife trafficking problem?

Wildlife trafficking is estimated to generate over $20 billion annually worldwide, targeting a wide range of animals from pangolins and parrots to eels and snakes.

Home / Environment / Customs Intercept Truck Smuggling 85 Live Pigeons at Turkey-Iran Border

Customs Intercept Truck Smuggling 85 Live Pigeons at Turkey-Iran Border

Q: How were the pigeons found?

The pigeons were found in poor condition, likely due to the harsh conditions of their illegal transport.

18 Nov

•

Summary

Turkish customs officers discover 85 pigeons in poor condition inside a truck at the Turkey-Iran border
The birds were rescued and sent to a local facility for recovery
Wildlife trafficking is a major global issue, generating over $20 billion annually

Customs Intercept Truck Smuggling 85 Live Pigeons at Turkey-Iran Border

On November 16th, 2025, Turkish customs officers at the Gurbulak border crossing along the Turkey-Iran border have intercepted a smuggling attempt involving live animals. During a routine inspection of a truck entering Turkey, the officers noticed "irregularities" and decided to conduct a more thorough search.

Their suspicions proved well-founded, as the inspection revealed 85 live pigeons stowed inside the vehicle. The birds were found to be in poor condition, likely due to the harsh conditions of their illegal transport. Fortunately, all the pigeons were rescued and transferred to a local facility to recover.