Customs authorities seize illicit tobacco products in Limassol and Nicosia

Customs officials in Cyprus have successfully conducted two separate operations in Limassol and Nicosia, resulting in the confiscation of significant quantities of illicit tobacco products. The enforcement actions, carried out between July 26 and July 28, 2026, targeted individuals involved in the possession and distribution of tax-free cigarettes and rolling tobacco.

In the first instance, a 64-year-old man was apprehended in Limassol after authorities discovered 51 cartons of cigarettes, 83 cartons of heated cigarettes, and 1.7 kilograms of rolling tobacco inside his vehicle. These products lacked mandatory health warnings and security labels. The suspect reached an out-of-court settlement, paying €6,500 in fines and an additional €500 to retrieve his vehicle. In a subsequent operation, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Nicosia after investigators seized 137 cartons of cigarettes, 17 cartons of heated cigarettes, and 6.5 kilograms of rolling tobacco from a kiosk and a private residence. He settled the case by paying €12,000. All confiscated goods are scheduled for destruction.