Philenews

80-Year-Old Caught Smuggling Fuel from Occupied Territories

Published March 19, 2026, 14:14
80-Year-Old Caught Smuggling Fuel from Occupied Territories

Customs officials arrested an 80-year-old driver at the Agios Dometios checkpoint for smuggling 200 liters of fuel from the occupied territories. The vehicle contained 10 plastic containers with 160 liters of diesel and 40 liters of gasoline. The driver was initially arrested for immediate offenses, and the vehicle and fuel were confiscated. He was later released after paying a €1,000 fine for an out-of-court settlement of the offenses. The case concerns the illegal transport of fuel from the occupied territories to the free area. The arrest occurred during a routine check at the checkpoint. Authorities are investigating the circumstances under which the elderly man attempted to smuggle the fuel. The incident highlights the ongoing attempt to illegally import goods from the occupied territories and the need to strengthen controls at the checkpoints.