Customs checks revealed illegal tobacco trafficking in Paphos and Nicosia
Two customs operations led to arrests for transporting undeclared tobacco products.
Customs checks revealed illegal tobacco trafficking in Paphos and Nicosia
Customs officials conducted two separate operations on 13 June, resulting in the discovery of significant quantities of undeclared tobacco items.
In the first case, staff at Paphos Airport examined two passengers who were due to depart by air to a British destination. During inspection of their baggage, it was found that they were carrying large quantities of tobacco for hand-rolled cigarettes, which bore none of the mandatory markings. The packaging lacked warning messages about the effects of smoking in the languages of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the special tracking code that accompanies legitimate goods.
The first suspect was in possession of 469 packets of 50 grammes each, totalling 23.45 kilogrammes. His travelling companion was carrying 491 similar packages, with a total weight of 24.55 kilogrammes. Both were arrested immediately. One was released after paying 8,000 euros for an out-of-court settlement. His detainee was brought before Paphos court, where a detention warrant was issued.
In the second operation, at Agiou Dometiou crossroads, customs officials examined a couple with a young child who were moving with a pram. In bags and inside the pram, 200 cigarette packets (20 loose boxes) without the required markings were found. The driver, who holds a United Kingdom passport, was arrested on the spot and was later released after paying 1,200 euros.
Source: Philenews
Source: Philenews