**Israeli Man Fined €840 for Possession of Untaxed Cigarettes at Deryneia Checkpoint**
An Israeli man was fined €840 after customs officials discovered 14 cartons of untaxed cigarettes during a routine inspection at the Deryneia crossing point on August 2, 2026. The incident occurred while the man was traveling in a taxi from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus towards Larnaca Airport.
The customs officers, enforcing the Green Line Regulation, stopped the taxi for a standard check. Upon searching the passenger's luggage, they found the 14 cartons, each containing 200 cigarettes. The cigarettes were found to lack the necessary health warnings in both Greek and Turkish, as well as the required security features and unique traceability codes that are mandated for legally taxed tobacco products. This indicated that the cigarettes were untaxed and had not been paid for in accordance with local laws.
Following the discovery, customs officials seized the tobacco products, which are now set to undergo the prescribed destruction process. Initially, the Israeli man was arrested for the offenses committed. However, he was later released after proposing an out-of-court settlement with the authorities. This settlement resulted in the payment of the €840 fine.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by customs officials to enforce regulations regarding the importation of tobacco products and to prevent the circulation of untaxed goods within the region. The Deryneia crossing point, one of the key entry and exit points between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-controlled areas, is frequently monitored for such violations.
Authorities have reiterated the importance of compliance with local laws regarding tobacco and other goods, emphasizing that violations can lead to significant penalties. The incident serves as a reminder to travelers about the regulations in place concerning the transportation of tobacco products across borders.
As the situation develops, customs officials will continue to monitor and enforce regulations to ensure compliance and protect public health.