Customs authorities seize illicit tobacco at Cyprus crossing points

On September 6 and 7, 2026, the Cyprus Department of Customs conducted inspections at the Agios Dometios and Deryneia crossing points as part of Green Line regulation enforcement. At the Agios Dometios crossing, authorities intercepted a taxi with Turkish Cypriot license plates carrying five Israeli passengers. Inspection of their luggage revealed 49 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, which lacked mandatory health warnings and security traceability codes, indicating they were untaxed. The individuals were initially arrested but were released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €4,000.

On September 7, a similar inspection at the Deryneia crossing point resulted in the discovery of 10 cartons of cigarettes in the luggage of a 49-year-old passenger traveling in another taxi with Turkish Cypriot plates. The individual involved was also released following an out-of-court settlement of €600. In both instances, the confiscated tobacco products are slated for destruction, following established procedures for dealing with illicit goods seized at the divide.