A passenger was caught smuggling 135 cartons of untaxed cigarettes at Paphos airport just before departing for the United Kingdom on 21 November 2025.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- A passenger was caught smuggling 135 cartons of untaxed cigarettes at Paphos airport just before departing for the United Kingdom on 21 November 2025.
Customs officers conducted a routine check and discovered the extensive haul in the traveller’s luggage. In addition to the cartons, officers also seized four packs of 20 cigarettes and 500 grammes of rolling tobacco.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
The seized tobacco products raised alarm as they lacked the necessary health warnings in both Greek and Turkish, which are mandated by law. Furthermore, the absence of security features and traceability codes suggested that these items were not properly taxed.
As a result of this violation, the passenger was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. Authorities have confirmed that the individual will appear today before Paphos District Court, where officials will request an initial four-day remand to facilitate further investigation.
