Cyprus untaxed tobacco seizures

Cyprus law enforcement and the Customs Department have conducted multiple operations to intercept large quantities of untaxed tobacco products across various locations, including Nicosia, Ayia Napa, Chrysochous, and several checkpoints.

Initial operations involved seizures of heated tobacco, hookah tobacco, cigars, and hundreds of cartons of cigarettes at residences, kiosks, and checkpoints. These actions resulted in several arrests and out-of-court settlements involving fines. Subsequent enforcement at the Deryneia crossing point led to the seizure of 25,400 untaxed cigarettes found in a vehicle. Authorities noted the contraband lacked required health warnings, security markings, and traceability codes. Similar operations in the Larnaca region also yielded seizures of cigarettes, heated tobacco, and small cigars.

On October 1, 2026, two additional operations were conducted. At Paphos Airport, officials intercepted a British passport holder traveling to Manchester, discovering 175 cartons of cigarettes in their luggage. The packaging lacked mandatory security features, traceability codes, and required health warnings in Greek and Turkish. The passenger was arrested for “flagrant offenses” but released after a €5,000 settlement.

In a separate raid on commercial premises in the Paralimni–Protaras area following a tip-off, customs officers identified 54 cartons of cigarettes, three cartons of heated tobacco, and 12 packs of rolling tobacco. The owner of the premises was arrested and released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement.