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Larnaca law enforcement and customs officials intercepted two rental commercial vehicles carrying massive quantities of untaxed tobacco products in what may be linked smuggling cases. According to a Kathimerini article by Elisavet Georgiou, the coordinated operations, involving the Larnaca Special Duties Unit (OPE), the Green Line Control and Surveillance Center, and Customs officers, resulted in the confiscation of the vehicles and the arrest of both drivers.
Incident 1: Pyla – 3,950 cartons seized
The first vehicle, a rental van registered in Cyprus, was stopped in the Pyla area. Inspection revealed 3,950 cartons, each containing 200 cigarettes, lacking the required Greek and Turkish labeling, security features, and traceability codes.
The driver, a 26-year-old Israeli visiting Cyprus for a short stay, was detained on the spot and transferred to Oroklini Police Station. Customs authorities counted and seized both the cigarettes and the van. Estimated customs and tax duties on this shipment exceed €240,000. Authorities suspect that the cigarettes were intended for export to Israel, based on the driver’s nationality.
Incident 2: Athienou–Lymbia – 6,400 cartons seized
Hours later, a second rental van was intercepted on the Athienou–Lymbia route. Driven by a 51-year-old Turkish Cypriot, the vehicle contained 6,400 cartons of 200 cigarettes each, packed in 128 boxes. Like the first shipment, the products lacked proper labeling, security marks, and traceability codes.
The van and its contents were seized at Pera Chorio Police Station, and the driver was arrested and is expected to appear before the Nicosia District Court. Customs duties on this haul are estimated at over €380,000. Notably, the same driver had been fined €20,000 less than a month ago in Oroklini for a previous customs violation.
Possible connection between the two cases
Despite occurring in different areas and involving separate drivers, customs officials are investigating a potential link between the two incidents. Both vehicles were rental vans, and the cigarettes were packaged similarly in black plastic bags. Authorities are examining whether these operations may be part of the same smuggling network.
Together, the two seizures represent some of the largest quantities of untaxed cigarettes ever found in vehicles in Cyprus, totaling over 10,000 cartons and exceeding €620,000 in potential customs and tax revenue.
