Customs seize 40 refrigerant gas cylinders and vehicle at Ayios Dhometios crossing

Nicosia, Cyprus. Customs officers seized 40 refrigerant gas cylinders and a commercial vehicle at the Ayios Dhometios crossing on Thursday after suspecting the goods had been smuggled from Turkey.

Routine check

According to the customs department, officers stopped a vehicle driven by a 36-year-old Turkish Cypriot during a routine crossing point check on May 25. The driver reportedly failed to provide documents for the goods during questioning.

Seizure and settlement

Customs officers said they had reasonable suspicions that the cylinders originated from Turkey and confiscated both the goods and the vehicle. The driver was arrested but later released after agreeing to an out-of-court settlement and paying €15,000.

Next steps

The cylinders are being stored pending destruction or recycling.