Cypriot customs officers have seized large quantities of undeclared tobacco products in two separate operations on the same road, authorities confirmed.
In the first incident, officials discovered 11 boxes containing 200 cigarettes each, 47 boxes of heated tobacco products, and nearly 38 kilograms of hookah tobacco.
The items lacked mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as the required security features and traceability codes—indications they were not subject to duty.
The products were confiscated along with the vehicle used for transport. The female driver was arrested but later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, paying €9,500 in fines and an additional €500 to reclaim her vehicle.
Shortly afterward, customs officers stopped a commercial vehicle driven by a 51-year-old Turkish Cypriot. Inside, they found 105 boxes of cigarettes, 16 boxes of heated tobacco, over 17 kilograms of rolling tobacco, and 35 kilograms of hookah tobacco.
As with the earlier case, the goods lacked proper markings and were seized, along with the vehicle. The driver was arrested at the scene.
Authorities say both cases are part of ongoing efforts to curb the illegal trade of tobacco products across the island.