Limassol, Cyprus. Police seized 36kg of tobacco products from a commercial vehicle on the Limassol-Larnaca highway on Thursday, according to statements issued on Friday by police and the customs department.
Traffic stop and vehicle search
The vehicle’s driver was initially stopped by police for traffic violations. During an inspection of the vehicle’s storage area, officers found cardboard boxes containing large quantities of hookah tobacco and rolling tobacco, police said.
Seizure and alleged tax violations
Customs officials counted and seized 12 packages of 1kg and 24 packages of 250g each of hookah tobacco, along with 120 packages of 50g each of rolling cigarette tobacco. Authorities said the products did not bear the mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, indicating tax had not been paid.
Arrest and settlement
Police said the driver was arrested for evident offences and the vehicle was confiscated as the means of transporting the contraband tobacco. The driver was later released after paying €6,500 in an out-of-court settlement and an additional €500 for the return of the vehicle.
What measures do you think are most effective in preventing the transport of contraband tobacco?
