Philenews

Smuggling Attempts at Checkpoints: Cigarettes and Fuel Confiscated

Published February 22, 2026, 09:13
Smuggling Attempts at Checkpoints: Cigarettes and Fuel Confiscated

Three incidents of smuggling were recorded in the occupied areas and at checkpoints in February 2026. On February 6th, a French national was arrested with 20 boxes of cigarettes lacking the required health warnings, but was released after paying a fine of €800. On February 12th, a Cypriot citizen was arrested with 30 boxes of heated tobacco products also lacking the necessary markings, and her vehicle was confiscated. She was released after paying a fine of €1200 (€900 for the cigarettes and €300 for the vehicle). Finally, on February 15th, a Cypriot national was arrested with 80 liters of gasoline, violating the Green Line Regulation, and was released after paying a fine of €400. In all three cases, the confiscated goods were seized by the Customs Department.