Ayios Dhometios, Cyprus. Customs officers seized 200 litres of diesel found in the fuel tank of a truck during a routine inspection at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point. The fuel was discovered during a check on a commercial vehicle entering government-controlled areas from the north.
Inspection and seizure
Officers said “200 litres of diesel were found in the fuel tank” of the vehicle. The Greek Cypriot driver admitted to having filled the tank at a petrol station in the north. Customs officers seized both the fuel and the vehicle.
Out-of-court settlement
The customs department said the case was later settled out of court, with the driver agreeing to pay €800, after which the vehicle was returned.
Rules and enforcement
The department reiterated that it is “expressly prohibited” for professional drivers and owners of trucks and other commercial vehicles to refuel or transport additional fuel from the north. It also reminded drivers that transporting extra fuel containers beyond the vehicle tank capacity is prohibited under relevant European rules on occasional transport, adding that enforcement checks continue at the crossing points.
Have you checked the refuelling and fuel transport rules before crossing?