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“Fines” for Citizens - Caught with Illegal Tobacco at Checkpoints (pic)

Published March 10, 2026, 17:08
“Fines” for Citizens - Caught with Illegal Tobacco at Checkpoints (pic)

On March 5-10, 2026, Customs officials conducted a series of checks at the checkpoints, during which citizens were found carrying illegal tobacco products. Specifically, cigarettes and hookah tobacco were seized without the necessary health warnings in Greek and Turkish. In four separate cases, those involved were arrested for immediate offenses, but were released after accepting proposals for out-of-court settlements with the payment of a total amount ranging from €300 to €650 per case. The checks were carried out at the Agios Dometios and Astromeritis - Zodia checkpoints, and involved both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot citizens. The seizure of illegal tobacco products and the vehicles used to transport them is part of the Customs Department's efforts to combat smuggling.