Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Authorities seized illegal tobacco products, nicotine pouches and counterfeit goods during a coordinated operation on Saturday, customs officials said. The operation targeted premises suspected of selling goods in violation of state legislation.
Coordinated enforcement operation
The operation was carried out by customs officers in cooperation with police from the intellectual property theft and illegal betting unit, according to a customs department announcement. Illegal tobacco products, nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco and counterfeit items were discovered and confiscated at two premises.
Seizures and settlement at first premises
At the first premises, officers seized 39 packs of cigarettes, 250g of rolling tobacco, just over 1kg of shisha tobacco, 59 packets of tobacco pouches, 53 packs of chewing tobacco and 69 packets of nicotine pouches.
The owner was arrested for offences committed in flagrante but was later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement of €1,000 for the tobacco-related violations. The nicotine pouches were handed over to Ayia Napa police station for further investigation.
Seizures and settlement at second premises
At the second premises, authorities confiscated 160 items of clothing and fashion accessories that infringed intellectual property rights, as well as 444 packets of nicotine pouches.
The owner agreed to an out-of-court settlement of €350 and surrendered the counterfeit goods for destruction. The nicotine pouches were also handed over to police for further investigation.
Ongoing enforcement
Customs authorities said operations targeting illegal goods will continue as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
What impact do you think continued enforcement operations will have on illegal sales in Ayia Napa?
