The Customs Department successfully intercepted multiple smuggling attempts, including illegal cigarettes and animal products, during operations on March 3-4, 2026.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- The Customs Department successfully intercepted multiple smuggling attempts, including illegal cigarettes and animal products, during operations on March 3-4, 2026.
- Following the arrest, the individual accepted an out-of-court settlement, paying €720 for the smuggling offences and an additional €280 for the release of the vehicle.
Smuggling attempts: First Interception at Ayios Dometios
On March 3, 2026, Customs officers at the Ayios Dometios crossing point observed a long-base vehicle driven by a 57-year-old man attempting to evade control and return to the occupied areas. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered a 27-year-old foreign national hidden behind the second row of seats. The driver, attempting to escape, collided with another vehicle, prompting officers to call for police assistance.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Once the vehicle was immobilised, it became evident that the 27-year-old was being trafficked illegally into the free areas. Both the driver and the trafficked individual were arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation.
Animal Products Seized
Later that night, Customs officers intercepted another vehicle at the same crossing, which was found to be carrying 150 kilograms of cattle bones and hides in the storage area. This violation of the Green Line Regulation on the transport of animal products was particularly concerning due to a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The animal products were immediately seized and destroyed. The offender was offered an out-of-court settlement of €500 for the illegal smuggling, and the vehicle was confiscated.
Untaxed Tobacco Products Uncovered
On March 4, 2026, further action was taken at the Astromeritis-Zodias crossing point, where Customs officers intercepted a vehicle transporting nine boxes containing 200 cigarettes each, along with six boxes of 200 heated tobacco products. Notably, these were found to lack health warnings in Greek and Turkish, indicating they were untaxed. The individual was arrested for customs offences, and both the vehicle and the smuggled tobacco products were seized.
Following the arrest, the individual accepted an out-of-court settlement, paying €720 for the smuggling offences and an additional €280 for the release of the vehicle.
Further Arrests for Customs Violations
Later on March 4, at the Ayios Dometios crossing, a woman was found carrying four boxes of 200 cigarettes each and three boxes of 200 heated tobacco products, all also lacking the required health warnings. She was arrested for customs violations, and both the tobacco products and her vehicle were seized. The woman later accepted an out-of-court settlement of €330, plus €170 for the release of her vehicle.
A Commitment to Enforcement
These operations underscore the Customs Department’s commitment to curbing smuggling activities and enforcing Cyprus’s customs regulations. The recent interceptions highlight ongoing efforts to combat illegal trafficking and protect public health.
