Recent arrests in Paphos involving illegal trade and antiquity looting

In two separate incidents in the Paphos district, local authorities have arrested individuals for criminal activity. On September 13, 2026, a 21-year-old man was taken into custody after police discovered 73 cartons of cigarettes, four boxes of heated tobacco devices, six kilograms of rolling tobacco, and 11 kilograms of hookah tobacco at his residence. The items lacked necessary safety markings and tax stamps, leading to a joint investigation by the Paphos Police and the Customs Department.

Separately, on September 14, 2026, police arrested a 41-year-old man in the Kouklia area near the archaeological site of Palaepaphos. The suspect was apprehended after being spotted by students from the University of Athens who were conducting authorized research. He was found with a metal detector and a pickaxe, with fresh excavation pits visible nearby. The suspect, who lacked the required license for the equipment, faces charges of illegal excavation and looting of antiquities. He appeared before the Paphos District Court to answer for his actions.