Customs authorities seize illicit tobacco at Nicosia crossing points

On June 30, 2026, customs officers at the Ledra Street crossing point in Nicosia arrested a Romanian national carrying six cartons of 200 cigarettes each. The products lacked mandatory Greek and Turkish health warnings and traceability codes, suggesting they were untaxed. The individual was released after paying a €360 out-of-court settlement. Subsequently, on July 1, 2026, authorities at the Agios Dometios crossing point intercepted two British tourists in a taxi headed to the United Kingdom. Officers seized ten cartons of cigarettes and 250 grams of rolling tobacco that also failed to meet EU labelling standards. Both tourists were arrested and released after settling their cases, with reports indicating a settlement fine of €690 for this incident. All seized goods were confiscated by the Customs Department as part of an effort to curb illegal tobacco smuggling through these crossing points.