Nicosia, Cyprus. Authorities in Cyprus reported a series of seizures of e-cigarette liquids containing illegal narcotics and new psychoactive substances after taking part in the United Nations-coordinated operation “eVAPER8.” Preliminary analysis by the Government Chemist found some substances to be particularly hazardous to human health.
Nationwide operation and inspections
The operation ran nationwide from November 23 to December 21, 2025, involving the Customs and Excise Department, the Cyprus Police, the Pharmaceutical Services, the Health Services, and the Government Chemist. Inspections targeted imported goods from third countries and retail outlets in Nicosia, Paphos, and Paralimni.
Seizures in Nicosia, Paphos and Paralimni
In Nicosia, customs agents confiscated 85 e-cigarette liquid products, and the anti-narcotics unit seized 269 packages containing cannabis or THC. Authorities reported similar seizures in Paphos and Paralimni, with hundreds of products found to contain cannabis, THC, and CBD products without the required licenses. Many products were marked as originating from other European countries, including Greece.
Health concerns and calls for action
Authorities expressed serious concern about the circulation of such products, particularly among young people, citing recent incidents of fainting and loss of consciousness among students. They called for urgent measures to restrict access and for stricter scrutiny of outlets selling cannabinoid products.
Agios Dometios checkpoint incident
In a separate incident on February 7, Customs officers at the Agios Dometios checkpoint stopped a vehicle driven by a Romanian national. The vehicle was carrying 27 boxes of 200 cigarettes each without health warnings and 25 litres of kefir, in violation of the Green Line Regulations on animal products. The driver was arrested and later released after paying €1,700 for the offences and €300 for the return of the vehicle under an out-of-court settlement.
Regulatory focus
Authorities called for tighter regulation and closer monitoring of outlets selling e-cigarette liquids and cannabinoid products to protect public health.
What measures would you like authorities to prioritise to reduce access to illegal e-cigarette liquids and cannabinoid products?
