Customs authorities seize illicit tobacco in Deryneia and Larnaca operations

On September 9, 2026, Cyprus customs officers conducted two separate operations involving the seizure of illicit tobacco products. At the Deryneia crossing point, authorities stopped a vehicle with Turkish Cypriot registration plates driven by a Turkish Cypriot holding a British passport. Officers discovered 127 cartons containing a total of 25,400 cigarettes inside three travel bags. The products lacked mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, as well as required security markings and traceability codes. The driver was initially arrested but was released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement and paying a fine of €8,000. All seized items will be destroyed.

In a simultaneous operation in the Larnaca district, officials executed a search warrant at the home of a 69-year-old Greek Cypriot. During this raid, authorities recovered 113 cartons of cigarettes, 18 cartons of heated tobacco, 400 cigarillos, and 4.45 kilograms of loose tobacco, all of which also lacked the necessary safety labeling. The individual was arrested in connection with these findings. Investigations into both cases are ongoing to determine the source and distribution network of the smuggled goods.