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Customs officers inspecting a car at the Agios Dometios crossing found considerably more than the usual luggage: 245 kilograms of cattle hides and entrails packed inside its storage area.
The vehicle, which carried Republic of Cyprus registration plates, was stopped on the evening of Aug. 12 as part of routine checks under the Green Line Regulation.
Transporting animals or animal products from the occupied areas into the government-controlled areas is prohibited. The restrictions are intended to prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure that food and other products entering the market meet veterinary and health standards.
Officers seized the entire load, along with the vehicle used to carry it. The driver was arrested and taken into custody.
The individual was released Thursday after paying a €2,000 administrative fine imposed by the Veterinary Services. A further €500 was paid to Customs for the vehicle to be returned.
The seized hides and entrails will be destroyed according to the required procedures.
Customs did not say what the products were intended for or where they were being taken.
