**Title: Customs Officials Seize 59 Cartons of Cigarettes at Crossing Points**
In a recent enforcement operation, customs officials in Cyprus confiscated a total of 59 cartons of cigarettes at two crossing points over the course of two days. The seizures occurred at the Ayios Dometios and Deryneia crossings, highlighting ongoing efforts to regulate the movement of tobacco products across the borders.
On Sunday, customs officers at the Ayios Dometios crossing stopped a taxi transporting five Israeli nationals. During a routine search, officials discovered 49 cartons of cigarettes, each containing 200 cigarettes. These cartons lacked the necessary health warnings, security features, and traceability codes mandated by law. As a result, the tobacco products were seized for destruction. The individuals involved were arrested but were subsequently released after reaching an out-of-court settlement of €4,000.
The following day, on Monday, customs officers conducted another inspection at the Deryneia crossing. They stopped a taxi carrying a 49-year-old Israeli woman, during which they found 10 cartons of unmarked cigarettes in her luggage. Similar to the previous incident, these cigarettes were seized, and the woman was released after agreeing to pay a settlement of €600.
The customs department has emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations concerning the sale and transport of tobacco products, particularly regarding health warnings and traceability. The recent seizures underscore the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in combating the illegal trade of tobacco and ensuring compliance with public health standards.
As the situation develops, customs officials are expected to continue their vigilance at border crossings to prevent the smuggling of unregulated tobacco products.