**Cyprus Customs Official Leads Global Fight Against Illicit Tobacco Trade**
A senior customs official from Cyprus is at the forefront of an international initiative aimed at combating the illicit tobacco trade, as the protocol designed to address this cross-border issue celebrates its eighth anniversary. Eliza Fantidou, a senior customs officer, has been serving as the chair of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products since her election in November 2025 during its fourth session held in Geneva.
The protocol, which now counts 73 parties, provides a comprehensive framework for international cooperation to prevent, detect, investigate, and prosecute the illicit trade of tobacco products. The Cyprus customs department highlighted the significance of this milestone in a statement released on Friday.
Fantidou emphasized the evolving nature of illicit tobacco trade, noting that it cannot be effectively addressed by individual nations acting in isolation. “Illicit trade in tobacco products does not remain static and does not stop at borders. It is like the Hydra: you cut off one head and, at the same time, many more emerge and spread,” she remarked. This metaphor underscores the complexity and persistence of the issue, which not only fuels criminal networks but also undermines public health and deprives governments of essential revenue.
To combat this multifaceted challenge, Fantidou called for a collective commitment and action across various sectors, as well as robust international cooperation. “The protocol gives us the tools to act. As parties, we must ensure that we use those tools, that we work as one and that we help more countries join us to turn these commitments into action,” she stated.
In her address, Fantidou also urged countries that have not yet joined the protocol to do so, reinforcing the need for a united global response to the illicit tobacco trade. The customs department pointed out that collaboration between customs and tax authorities, police, and other law enforcement agencies is vital, given that illicit tobacco trade often transcends national borders.
The protocol aims to enhance mechanisms throughout the enforcement process, from prevention and detection to investigation and prosecution. This year’s anniversary is being celebrated under the theme “More Parties – Stronger Implementation – Greater International Cooperation,” which seeks to promote broader participation and improved coordination among countries.
As the global community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by illicit tobacco trade, the leadership of officials like Eliza Fantidou highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing this pressing issue. The ongoing efforts under the protocol serve as a testament to the commitment of nations to work together in combating the threats posed by illicit tobacco products.