Customs seize untaxed tobacco in Larnaca and misdeclared goods at Limassol port

Larnaca, Cyprus. The customs department said on Monday that it had seized substantial quantities of untaxed tobacco in Larnaca. It also reported confiscating dietary supplements and energy drinks falsely listed as clothing at Limassol port.

Container shipment under investigation

According to the department, customs officers examined a container arriving from Greece on September 30 and found dietary supplements and energy drinks, although the shipment had been declared as clothing.

The importer did not have the required permits, the department said. Officers seized the goods, and an investigation is continuing in cooperation with the health ministry.

Tobacco case settled out of court

The department said police notified customs officers on October 8 that a search at the home of a man aged 52 had revealed untaxed tobacco.

The seizure comprised 101 cigarette cartons, each containing 200 cigarettes, and 215 heated-tobacco cartons, each holding 200 sticks, together with rolling tobacco weighing 9.825kg.

According to customs, the packaging was missing mandatory health warnings, security features and codes for traceability.

The man was arrested and subsequently released after agreeing to pay €19,000 to settle the matter outside court, the department said.