**Police and Customs Seize Massive Haul of Duty-Free Tobacco Across Cyprus**
Cyprus authorities have made significant strides in combating the illegal tobacco trade, with police and customs officials seizing large quantities of suspected duty-free tobacco products during recent operations in Ayia Napa, Paphos, and Nicosia. The operations, conducted on August 26 and August 28, resulted in two arrests and the confiscation of various tobacco products that did not comply with legal requirements.
The first operation took place on August 26 in Ayia Napa, where Famagusta crime prevention officers seized a total of 51 cartons of heated tobacco sticks and 35 kilograms of shisha tobacco. Customs officials reported that these products lacked the mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as essential safety features and unique traceability codes. The seized items are set to be destroyed in accordance with standard procedures, and efforts are ongoing to identify the owner of the confiscated goods.
Following this initial raid, a second operation was conducted on August 28 in Paphos. Customs officers and police acted on intelligence to search a kiosk in Poli Chrysochous operated by a 47-year-old man. During this raid, authorities discovered 25 cartons of 200 cigarettes, three cartons of heated tobacco, 2.65 kilograms of rolling tobacco, and 3.25 kilograms of shisha tobacco. Similar to the previous operation, none of these items bore the required markings or codes. The 47-year-old was initially arrested but was later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €4,000.
The largest seizure occurred later that same day in Nicosia, where officers executed a search warrant at the residence of a 60-year-old man. The search yielded a substantial haul, including 361 cartons of 200 cigarettes, 68 loose packets, 111 cartons of heated tobacco, 1 kilogram of rolling tobacco, 595 grams of pipe tobacco, 30 cigars, and 1,400 cigarillos. The 60-year-old, who has a history of multiple convictions for similar offenses, was arrested and is scheduled to appear before the Nicosia District Court for a remand hearing.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of these operations in addressing the illegal tobacco market, which poses risks to public health and safety due to the lack of regulatory compliance. The confiscated products will be destroyed, and investigations are ongoing to further identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal trade.
The recent raids highlight the ongoing efforts by Cypriot authorities to enforce tobacco regulations and prevent the distribution of unregulated products. As the government continues to address this issue, the collaboration between police and customs officials remains crucial in curbing illegal activities related to tobacco sales across the island.