Large amounts of duty free cigarettes seized by customs

Three tobacco busts were made by the customs department last week, which saw 174 cartons of 200 cigarettes each and over 12kg of rolling tobacco, as well as a packet of rolling tobacco mixed with cannabis confiscated.

On August 14, an Israeli passenger departing from Paphos airport for Israel was found to be in possession of a packet of rolling tobacco mixed with cannabis.

He was arrested and handed over to Paphos police.

The following day, a Turkish Cypriot passenger departing from Larnaca airport for London was found to have 100 cartons of 200 cigarettes each in his luggage, as well as 6kg of rolling tobacco, which appeared to be duty free.

The passenger was arrested and taken before the Larnaca district court, which referred him to trial.

On August 16, customs officers in Limassol searched the vehicle and residence of a Syrian and found 74 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, as well as 6.75kg of rolling tobacco, which appeared to be duty free.

The Syrian was arrested and his vehicle confiscated as a means for transporting the tobacco products.

He was later released, having paid €8,000 as an out-of-court settlement and €500 for the return of his vehicle.