Customs seizures at Deryneia crossing point involving animal products and tobacco

Between June 21 and 22, 2026, customs officers at the Deryneia crossing point conducted a series of vehicle inspections. On June 21, three separate vehicles driven by a Greek Cypriot and two foreign nationals were found to be transporting animal products in violation of the Green Line Regulation. Seized items included yogurt, ayran, salami, fresh chicken, and milk, all of which were confiscated for destruction. On June 22, officials discovered undeclared tobacco products hidden in the sliding roof of another vehicle. The haul consisted of nine cartons of 200 cigarettes each and 225 grams of rolling tobacco, all lacking required safety and health warning labels. The driver was initially arrested for customs offenses. The vehicle was later released following an out-of-court settlement and a payment of 720 euros by the individual involved.