Police in Paphos make two separate arrests for illicit trade and illegal excavation

In recent days, police in Paphos, Cyprus, have conducted two significant operations resulting in arrests for illegal activities. On September 13, 2026, authorities arrested a 21-year-old man following a raid on his residence where they seized 73 cartons of cigarettes, four cartons of heated tobacco devices, six kilograms of rolling tobacco, and eleven kilograms of hookah tobacco. The items lacked official markings, leading to suspicions of duty-free tax evasion. The case is being handled by the Paphos Police and the Customs Department.

Separately, on September 14, 2026, a 41-year-old Greek-Cypriot man was arrested near the archaeological site of Kouklia. The suspect was found in possession of a metal detector and a pickaxe while performing unauthorized excavations. While some reports suggest he was spotted by university students, official police statements confirm he was apprehended following an intelligence report. Investigators identified recent dig sites at the scene. The suspect has been charged with illegal excavation to discover antiquities and possession of a metal detector without a license. He was scheduled to appear before the Paphos District Court to face charges.