Two arrested after tobacco seizures in Ayia Napa, Paphos and Nicosia

Nicosia, Cyprus. Police and customs officers seized large quantities of suspected duty-free tobacco products during joint operations in Ayia Napa, Paphos and Nicosia on 26 and 28 August. Two men were arrested, with one released after accepting an out-of-court settlement and another remaining in custody pending a remand hearing.

Ayia Napa seizure

Famagusta crime prevention officers conducted the first operation in Ayia Napa on 26 August, seizing 51 cartons of heated tobacco sticks and 35 kilograms of shisha tobacco.

Customs officials said the products did not carry mandatory health warnings in Greek and Turkish, safety features or unique traceability codes. The items were confiscated for destruction, while officers continued efforts to identify and arrest the owner.

Paphos kiosk raid

On 28 August, customs officers and police in Paphos raided a kiosk in Poli Chrysochous operated by a 47-year-old man after acting on intelligence.

Officers found 25 cartons containing 200 cigarettes each, three cartons of heated tobacco, 2.65 kilograms of rolling tobacco and 3.25 kilograms of shisha tobacco. None of the products had the required markings or codes.

The 47-year-old was arrested and later released after agreeing to a €4,000 out-of-court settlement.

Nicosia province operation

Later on 28 August, officers searched the home of a 60-year-old man in Nicosia province under a court warrant.

Investigators seized 361 cartons containing 200 cigarettes each, 68 loose packets, 111 cartons of heated tobacco, one kilogram of rolling tobacco, 595 grams of pipe tobacco, 30 cigars and 1,400 cigarillos.

The 60-year-old was arrested and remains in custody. Customs officials said he has multiple previous convictions for similar offences and is due to appear before Nicosia District Court for a remand order.