**Customs Seize Large Quantities of Tobacco at Paphos Airport and Ayios Dometios Crossing**
Customs officers in Cyprus have successfully intercepted multiple attempts to smuggle significant amounts of tobacco products in two separate operations at Paphos Airport and the Ayios Dometios crossing point. These incidents highlight ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal tobacco trafficking on the island.
In the first operation at Paphos Airport, two Spanish nationals en route to Manchester were apprehended while carrying undeclared rolling tobacco. Customs officers discovered a total of 469 packets, weighing approximately 23.45 kilograms. Following the seizure, one individual was arrested and subsequently released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €8,000. The authorities have indicated that investigations into this case are ongoing.
A second case at the same airport involved another passenger who was found with 491 packets of rolling tobacco, weighing around 24.55 kilograms. This individual was brought before the Paphos District Court as the investigation continues, underscoring the seriousness with which customs officials are treating these violations.
In a separate incident at the Ayios Dometios crossing, customs officers uncovered 200 packets of cigarettes concealed among personal belongings and a pushchair belonging to a couple traveling on foot. The cigarettes in this case were noted to lack the necessary health warnings and traceability markings required by law. A British passport holder was arrested in connection with this incident and later released after agreeing to a €1,200 settlement.
Authorities have confiscated all tobacco products involved in these operations, and they have reiterated their commitment to enforcing regulations regarding the importation of tobacco. The ongoing investigations aim to gather further information and prevent future smuggling attempts.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the stringent customs regulations in place in Cyprus and the efforts of law enforcement to uphold these laws. As investigations continue, officials are expected to provide updates on the outcomes of these cases and any further actions taken against individuals involved in tobacco smuggling.