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Eight lambs found in a truck stopped near the buffer zone were euthanized because their origin could not be verified, authorities said Tuesday.
In a statement, the Customs Department said the animals were discovered early June 4 in a vehicle intercepted as it crossed from the buffer zone into government-controlled territory. The 42-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of violating Green Line Regulations, which govern movement across the United Nations-patrolled divide.
Customs officials, working with police, transported the man, the truck and the animals to the Latsia Police Station for further investigation. The truck and lambs were later moved to Veterinary Services facilities for examination.
By midday, authorities said the lambs had been euthanized. Customs officials said an investigation is underway to determine whether the animals came from the Turkish-occupied north or were being illegally raised in the buffer zone without proper identification.
