Police have seized 66kg of shisha tobacco and hundreds of cartons of cigarettes during a recent operation in Ayia Napa. This significant find occurred on Wednesday when officers searched a vehicle parked in a public car park, following intelligence-led operations aimed at combating the illegal trade of duty-unpaid tobacco products.
Shisha tobacco: Targeted Operation Yields Results
In a concerted effort to tackle the illicit tobacco market, police collaborated with customs officers to inspect the vehicle. The ongoing operations focus on preventing the possession, transport, and trade of untaxed tobacco items. The intelligence that led to the search was part of a broader strategy to enhance enforcement in the region.
Significant Quantities of Untaxed Tobacco Products
During the inspection, officers uncovered a substantial cache of untaxed tobacco products, which included:
- More than 66kg of shisha tobacco
- 406 cartons of cigarettes
- 64 cartons of cigars
- 40 cartons of heated tobacco products
- 2.75kg of rolling tobacco
The sheer volume of these items underscores the scale of the illegal tobacco trade in the area.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
Following the seizure, the customs department took custody of the vehicle and all the confiscated tobacco products. Ayia Napa police, in close cooperation with customs officials, are continuing their investigations to track down further illegal activities related to tobacco smuggling. This operation reflects the authorities’ commitment to curbing the illegal tobacco trade and ensuring compliance with regulations designed to protect public health and revenue.
