Cyprus authorities seize large quantities of untaxed tobacco products

The Cyprus Customs Department and Police have conducted several operations resulting in the seizure of large quantities of untaxed tobacco products across various locations, including Ayia Napa, Chrysochous, Nicosia, and several checkpoints.

In Ayia Napa, authorities seized 51 cartons of heated tobacco and 35 kilograms of hookah tobacco. In Chrysochous, a 47-year-old man was arrested after officials found 25 cartons of cigarettes and various tobacco products in a kiosk; he later settled the case with a €4,000 fine. A major seizure occurred in Nicosia, where a search of a 60-year-old man's residence uncovered 361 cartons of cigarettes, 111 cartons of heated tobacco, and numerous cigars.

Additional operations at checkpoints in Lydas Road and Agios Dometiou targeted travelers. A French national was caught with 2.25 kilograms of tobacco, and an Israeli national was found with 13 cartons of cigarettes and 40 cigars in a taxi. The largest recent seizure at the Agios Dometiou checkpoint involved 44 cartons of cigarettes hidden in the luggage of a 60-year-old British man and his family. In most cases, the suspects were released after paying fines through out-of-court settlements.