**Customs Flags Smuggling Route from Occupied Areas to Israel**
*August 13, 2026*
Customs officers in Cyprus have identified a concerning trend involving the smuggling of untaxed tobacco products from the occupied areas of Cyprus to Israel. This revelation follows a recent incident on August 12, where customs officials seized a large quantity of illicit tobacco from an Israeli passenger arriving at Larnaca Airport in a taxi registered in the Turkish Cypriot-administered area.
During routine checks at the Deryneia crossing point, officers discovered 15 cartons of cigarettes, each containing 200 cigarettes, along with three one-kilogram packs of shisha tobacco in the passenger's luggage. Notably, the seized items lacked the required health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as security features and unique traceability codes, indicating that they had not been taxed. Following the seizure, customs officials arrested the individual for the offenses committed but later released him after he agreed to settle the case out of court for a fine of 2,000 euros.
The customs department has reported a significant increase in seizures involving Israeli nationals at crossing points over the past two months. This uptick has raised alarms about a potential organized smuggling network that appears to be transporting cigarettes from the occupied areas through the Republic of Cyprus and into Israel.
Historical data from customs indicates that two major seizures in February and November of 2025 pointed to an established network that was initially shipping tobacco products by boat from Cypriot shores to Israel. However, this operation seems to have evolved into a method known as "ant smuggling," where numerous individuals carry small quantities of contraband in multiple trips to evade detection by authorities.
Recent statistics reveal the extent of the smuggling issue. In June 2026, seizures involving Israeli nationals accounted for 14% of the total seizures at crossing points, with 41 out of 288 incidents involving Israeli individuals. These cases represented nearly 30% of the total cigarettes seized, amounting to 22,080 out of 72,620 cigarettes. The situation worsened in July, with Israeli nationals involved in 24.5% of the total seizures, totaling 46 out of 188 incidents, and nearly 50% of the cigarettes confiscated, with 20,980 out of 42,050 cigarettes.
The customs department's findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance at crossing points as they continue to monitor and address this smuggling trend. The implications of these activities not only affect local economies but also pose broader challenges related to public health and regulatory compliance.
As authorities work to combat this issue, it remains crucial for customs and law enforcement to adapt their strategies to effectively counteract the evolving methods employed by smugglers. The situation highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding the Cyprus problem and the challenges of regulating trade across the divided island.
In related news, discussions surrounding the Paphos marina contract are expected to conclude by January 2027, while new EU regulations mandate that car manufacturers must fund vehicle scrapping. Additionally, a hotel cleaner in Paphos was arrested for theft, and local officials are noting a significant increase in apartment permits as construction activity accelerates.
As the situation develops, further updates will be provided to keep the public informed about the ongoing efforts to address smuggling and related issues in Cyprus.