Paphos, Cyprus. Customs officers intercepted attempts to smuggle large quantities of tobacco products in separate operations at Paphos Airport and the Ayios Dometios crossing point. Authorities said all tobacco products were confiscated and investigations are ongoing.
Paphos Airport cases
At Paphos Airport, two Spanish nationals travelling to Manchester were found carrying undeclared rolling tobacco.
In the first case, officers discovered 469 packets weighing 23.45 kg. The individual was arrested and the tobacco was confiscated, before being released after paying an €8,000 out-of-court settlement.
In the second case, a passenger was found carrying 491 packets weighing 24.55 kg. The individual was brought before the Paphos district court and investigations continue.
Ayios Dometios crossing point
In a separate incident at the Ayios Dometios crossing point, customs officers found 200 packets of cigarettes hidden among personal belongings and a pushchair belonging to a couple travelling on foot.
The cigarettes did not carry the required health warnings and traceability markings. One individual, a British passport holder, was arrested and later released after agreeing to a €1,200 settlement.