Israeli passenger fined for transporting untaxed cigarettes at Deryneia crossing

On August 2, 2026, customs officers at the Deryneia crossing point intercepted a Turkish Cypriot taxi en route to Larnaca Airport carrying an Israeli passenger. During a routine inspection conducted under the Green Line Regulation, authorities discovered 14 cartons of cigarettes in the passenger's luggage. Each carton contained 200 cigarettes, totaling 2,800 units, which lacked mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as the required security features and traceability codes, confirming they were untaxed.

The passenger was initially arrested for offenses committed in the act. Following the seizure of the contraband, the individual opted for an out-of-court settlement, paying a fine of €840. The tobacco products were confiscated and are scheduled for destruction in accordance with established customs procedures.