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Four British tourists remanded after tobacco seizure at Paphos airport

Cyprus Mail · 2026-07-28

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Four British women were remanded in custody after customs officers seized over 125kg of tobacco at Paphos airport, intended for a flight to Manchester. • Why it matters: The seizure highlights ongoing enforcement of regulations regarding tobacco importation, particularly concerning health warnings and duty payments. • What to watch next: The investigation will continue, and further details may emerge regarding the legal implications for the individuals involved and potential changes in customs enforcement practices.

**Title: Four British Tourists Remanded After Tobacco Seizure at Paphos Airport**

Paphos, Cyprus – Four British women have been remanded in custody following a significant tobacco seizure at Paphos International Airport. The incident occurred on Monday as the passengers were preparing to board a flight to Manchester, according to a statement from the customs department released on Tuesday.

Customs officers conducted routine checks on the luggage of the four women and identified a substantial quantity of tobacco products. A total of 2,507 packets of tobacco intended for hand-rolled cigarettes were discovered, weighing in at 125.35 kilograms.

The seized tobacco raised red flags for customs officials as it lacked the required health warnings in both Greek and Turkish. Additionally, the products did not contain necessary security features or traceability codes, which are indicators that duty had not been paid on the items.

Following the seizure, the four women were arrested and subsequently brought before the Paphos district court on Tuesday. The court decided to remand them in custody for a period of four days while the investigation continues.

This incident highlights ongoing efforts by customs officials to enforce regulations regarding the importation of tobacco products, particularly those that do not comply with local health and safety standards. The case will likely draw attention to the legal implications of transporting large quantities of tobacco without proper documentation and payment of duties.

As the investigation unfolds, further details may emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the seizure and the potential consequences for the individuals involved.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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