Tobacco from north lands gals in jail

Two women have been detained at a checkpoint in rural Nicosia after customs officers found a large quantity of tobacco products in their vehicle, but charges and circumstances of their detention were not immediately clear.

According to a police report, four people inside a vehicle attempted to cross from north to south at the Zodhia road block on Sunday afternoon, when customs officers found 25 kilos of flavored water pipe tobacco as well as 69 ten-pack boxes of cigarettes.

Local media reported that two of the four individuals were asked to pay €14,500 on the spot, while the tobacco products were confiscated.

But the two women did not have the money to pay and were subsequently arrested in connection with posession of illegal goods.

Police did not comment on the details or whether the tobacco products were hidden but in an official arrest report they said customs officials were investigating a case of illegal possession of contraband. No description was provided for the two detained suspects or the two other individuals who were also in the vehicle.

Customs press officer Eliza Fantidou told Knews on Monday that her department could not comment on arrests involving ongoing investigations.

But the official also clarified that generally there could be cases involving an offer in compromise while other times a situation may involve illegal activity.

It was unclear whether the women appeared before a judge on Monday for a remand hearing and possibly any further detention.

A UN buffer zone with checkpoints along the way divides Cyprus between a Greek Cypriot south representing the Republic of Cyprus and a Turkish Cypriot north recognized only by Turkey.

While a Green Line Regulation allows persons and goods to cross under specific criteria, tobacco products beyond a small amount for personal use may be confiscated and subject to fines.