Philenews

Customs Department Raids Checkpoints: Drugs, Cash, and Smuggled Goods Seized

Published March 16, 2026, 10:13
Customs Department Raids Checkpoints: Drugs, Cash, and Smuggled Goods Seized

Officials from the Customs Department conducted intensive checks at checkpoints, revealing a series of violations. At Agios Dometios, two women of Russian origin with Cypriot citizenship were arrested after a vehicle search uncovered duty-free tobacco products. They were later released with an out-of-court settlement of €600. Simultaneously, €150,000 in cash with unclear origin and destination was seized and handed over to the Police and the Anti-Money Laundering Unit for further investigation. At the same crossing point, a man of Greek nationality was arrested after a vehicle search revealed small amounts of cannabis and crystal methamphetamine, as well as tools for their consumption. The man was handed over to the Drug Squad. In Deryneia, during a vehicle check with Cypriot citizenship, animal products (ayran, cheese, salami, chicken) were seized for violating the Green Line regulations. These checks are part of a broader effort by the Customs Department to combat the illegal import and trafficking of goods, as well as compliance with regulations at checkpoints.