Customs officers seized large quantities of undeclared tobacco and cigarettes in two separate cases at Paphos airport and the Ayios Dhometios crossing point on June 13.
In the first case, officers at Paphos airport stopped two Spanish passengers before their departure to Manchester, United Kingdom, after assessing information.
Their luggage was found to contain large quantities of rolling tobacco. The packages did not carry health warnings in Greek and Turkish, nor the required security feature and unique traceability code, indications that they were duty unpaid.
In the luggage of the first passenger, officers found 469 packages of rolling tobacco, each weighing 50 grammes, with a total weight of 23.45kg.
The passenger was arrested for offences detected in the act, while the luggage and its contents were seized. He was later released after his proposal for an out-of-court settlement was accepted, with payment of €8,000.
In the luggage of the second passenger, officers found 491 packages of rolling tobacco, each weighing 50 grammes, with a total weight of 24.55kg.
The second passenger was also arrested for offences detected in the act, while the luggage and its contents were seized. He was taken to Paphos District Court on Saturday morning for a remand order to facilitate investigations.
In a separate case on the same day, Customs officers at the Ayios Dhometios crossing point noticed a couple with a baby stroller and an infant attempting to cross on foot into the government-controlled areas during routine vehicle checks.
During a search of the bags and stroller, officers found they were filled with cigarette packets. The packets did not carry health warnings in Greek and Turkish, nor the required security feature and unique traceability code, indications that they were duty unpaid.
A total of 200 packets of 20 cigarettes each were found, corresponding to 20 dismantled cartons.
The Turkish Cypriot carrier, who held a British passport, was arrested for offences detected in the act, while the luggage and its contents were seized.
He was later released after his proposal for an out-of-court settlement was accepted, with payment of €1,200.