Authorities in Larnaca seize large quantity of illicit tobacco products

On the night of October 8, 2026, police in Larnaca conducted an operation involving the search of a residence, premises, and a vehicle belonging to a man suspected of possession of illicit tobacco products. During the search, authorities discovered and confiscated 215 cartons of heated cigarettes, 101 cartons of cigarettes, and 68 cartons of tobacco in 45-gram and 50-gram packages. The goods were identified as illicit due to the lack of mandatory customs markings.

The suspect, identified as a 53-year-old man in most reports (while one source identified him as 55), was arrested by the police. Following the seizure, the case was transferred to the Customs Department, where the individual was ordered to pay a fine of 19,000 euros. After paying the full amount, the man was released, and the confiscated products were seized by the state. This operation follows ongoing efforts by regional authorities to combat the smuggling of untaxed goods, with some sources noting that such products are often suspected to originate from the northern part of the island.