**Customs Agents Seize Untaxed Tobacco at Nicosia Crossings, Imposing Fines Exceeding €5,000**
Nicosia, Cyprus – Customs agents have conducted a series of operations at the Ledra Street and Ayios Dhometios crossing points, resulting in the seizure of significant quantities of untaxed tobacco products between August 23 and August 27. The total fines imposed in these cases amounted to €5,090, according to a statement released by the customs department on Friday.
The first incident occurred on August 23 at the Ledra Street crossing during routine checks carried out under the Green Line Regulation. Customs officers stopped a woman who was crossing on foot and conducted a search of her personal belongings. During the search, they discovered 2.25 kilograms of rolling tobacco. The packages were found to be non-compliant, lacking the necessary health warnings in both Greek and Turkish, as well as the required security features and unique traceability codes, indicating that the tobacco was untaxed. The tobacco products were seized and are set to be destroyed following established procedures. The woman was initially arrested for committing an offence in flagrante delicto but was later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €790.
A second case unfolded on August 25 at the Ayios Dhometios crossing, where customs agents intercepted a taxi with Turkish Cypriot registration plates. Inside the vehicle was a 39-year-old passenger whose luggage was searched. Agents found 13 cartons of cigarettes, each containing 200 cigarettes, totaling 2,600 cigarettes, along with four packages containing 40 cigars. Similar to the previous case, the tobacco products were found without the required health warnings, security markings, or traceability codes, leading to their seizure. The passenger was initially arrested but was released after consenting to an €800 out-of-court fine.
The most significant seizure occurred on August 27 at the Ayios Dhometios crossing. Customs agents stopped another taxi, again with Turkish Cypriot registration plates, carrying a 60-year-old man and his family. A thorough search of the man’s luggage revealed 44 cartons of cigarettes, amounting to 8,800 cigarettes, as well as 2.575 kilograms of rolling tobacco, all of which were hidden within the luggage. Once again, the products lacked the required health warnings, security features, and traceability codes, prompting their seizure for destruction. The 60-year-old was also initially arrested but was released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €3,500.
In total, customs authorities imposed fines of €5,090 across the three cases. These operations highlight ongoing efforts by customs agents to enforce regulations regarding tobacco products and combat the circulation of untaxed goods in Cyprus. The customs department has reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, particularly concerning tobacco products, which are subject to strict guidelines to protect public health.
The seizures at the Nicosia crossings reflect the challenges faced by customs officials in monitoring and regulating the flow of goods across the Green Line, which separates the Republic of Cyprus from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The customs department continues to conduct routine inspections in an effort to deter smuggling and uphold the law.