Ayios Sozomenos, Cyprus. Police seized approximately 100 kilogrammes of green peppers and a pick-up truck after authorities detected an unauthorised crossing from the north in the Ayios Sozomenos area. The driver later paid €2,500 in an out-of-court settlement.
Unauthorised crossing detected
Authorities said members of the anti-poaching unit and Green Line surveillance spotted a pick-up truck with Turkish Cypriot registration plates driven by a 30-year-old Turkish Cypriot man. The vehicle was detected crossing into the Republic from the north at a non-approved point, and officers stopped and inspected it, finding a large quantity of goods in the cargo bed.
Customs seizure and settlement
The driver and vehicle were escorted to the Perachorio police station, and customs officials were called in. Customs officers found approximately 100kg of green peppers of unknown origin, which were confiscated for violating Green Line regulations, including crossing at a non-approved point and transporting goods without the required documentation. Authorities also seized the vehicle as the means of transport.
The driver was later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement, paying €2,000 as a fine and €500 for the return of the vehicle.
Disinfection and disposal
Both the vehicle and the goods remained temporarily at the Perachorio police station for disinfection procedures. The confiscated peppers are expected to be destroyed by the customs department.
What do you think should be done to prevent goods from being transported through non-approved crossing points?
